Top 10 Wheat Producing States in India in 2023

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Importance of Wheat in India
• Factors Responsible for Production of Best Quality Wheat
• Largest Wheat Producing States in India in 2023
  • Uttar Pradesh (UP)
  • Madhya Pradesh (MP)
  • Punjab
  • Haryana
  • Rajasthan
  • Bihar
  • Gujarat
  • Maharashtra
  • Uttarakhand
  • West Bengal
• Conclusion

Introduction

Wheat is a rabi season crop and is the main cereal crop of India. It is mainly grown in the north and northwestern states of India like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The wheat in India is majorly soft to medium hard, has medium protein, and is a white bread wheat. The cultivation of wheat crop requires a moist and cool climate and can be grown in any soil type.

India is divided into 6 major wheat growing zones, namely, Northern Hill Zone, Northwestern Plains Zone, Northeastern Plains Zone, Central Zone, Peninsular Zone, and Southern Hill Zone.  

In this blog, we will discuss the current scenario of wheat production and the benefits of wheat production and discuss the largest wheat producing states in India. Before that, let's discuss the importance of wheat in India and the factors responsible for wheat production in India.

Importance of Wheat in India

Wheat holds immense significance in the Indian agricultural landscape for several reasons. Let's discuss three some of them in brief:

1. Staple Food: Wheat is a staple food grain for a significant population of India. It is a key ingredient in the preparation of chapatis, bread, and various other traditional Indian dishes.
2. Dietary Nourishment: Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It provides essential nutrients and energy, making it an integral part of the daily diet for many Indians.
3. Employment and Livelihood: Wheat cultivation provides livelihood opportunities for millions of farmers, labourers, and rural communities. It contributes to rural income generation and plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies.

Factors Responsible for Production of Best Quality Wheat

There are several factors responsible for production of wheat in India. The increase in wheat production is due to the following factors:

1. Good Weather Conditions: It requires favourable weather with good rainfall and cool temperatures.
2. Increased use of Fertilisers: Farmers have increased the use of fertilisers, which has helped to improve crop yields.
3. Improved Agricultural Practices: Farmers have adopted improved agricultural practices, such as using better irrigation systems and planting high-yielding varieties of wheat.

Largest Wheat Producing States in India in 2023

In this section, we have mentioned the major wheat producing states in India. Let's have a look at them:

Uttar Pradesh (UP)

Uttar Pradesh has consistently held the top position in wheat production in India. With an area under cultivation of 9853 thousand hectares, the wheat production in 2021-22 stands at 33950 thousand tonnes.

It is the largest wheat producing state in India. Its favourable agro-climatic conditions, availability of irrigation facilities, and extensive cultivation area contribute to its high wheat yield. Major wheat-growing districts in Uttar Pradesh include Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, and Ghaziabad.

Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed significant growth in wheat production and is now among the leading wheat-producing states in India. The total wheat production in the state stands at 22419 thousand tonnes and it is grown in an area covering 6551 thousand hectares.

The state benefits from its vast agricultural land, suitable agro-climatic conditions, and government initiatives promoting wheat cultivation. Major wheat-growing districts in Madhya Pradesh include Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, and Hoshangabad.

Punjab

Punjab is famous as the "Granary of India" and has been among the highest wheat producing state in India for many years. Wheat in the state is grown in 3521 thousand hectares and the production stands at 14822 thousand tonnes.

Its fertile soil, well-developed irrigation infrastructure, and adoption of modern agricultural practices have led to high wheat productivity. Key wheat-growing districts in Punjab include Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Ferozepur.

Haryana

Haryana is another prominent wheat producing state in India. Wheat in the state is grown in an area of 2533.9 thousand hectares and the production stands at 10447 thousand tonnes.

Its fertile soil, irrigation facilities, and dedicated efforts towards agricultural development have contributed to its high wheat yield. Major wheat-growing districts in Haryana include Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Kaithal.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan has made significant strides in wheat production in recent years. Its wheat production stands at 9484 thousand hectares and covers an area of 3118 thousand tonnes.

Despite its arid and semi-arid climate, the state has successfully adopted water-efficient techniques, improved farming practices, and introduced drought-tolerant wheat varieties. Key wheat-growing districts in Rajasthan include Sikar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Nagaur.

Bihar

Bihar has also emerged as a prominent wheat-producing state in India. With an area covering 2150 thousand hectares, the wheat production in the state stands at 6224 thousand tonnes.

Its fertile Gangetic plains, irrigation facilities, and government support for agricultural development have contributed to increased wheat production. Major wheat-growing districts in Bihar include Nalanda, Vaishali, Patna, and Bhagalpur.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a prominent western state that produces wheat in ample amounts. The wheat in the state is grown in an area of 1018 thousand hectares and the wheat production stands at 3334 thousand tonnes.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is another southern state where wheat production stands at 2474 thousand tonnes. Moreover, it is grown in an area of 1057 thousand hectares.

Uttarakhand

The hilly state of Uttarakhand since its formation has taken long strides in wheat production. It is one of the top 10 wheat producing states. In the state, the wheat production stands at 867 thousand tonnes and it covers an area of 316 thousand hectares.

West Bengal

The state of West Bengal is not only the largest rice producing states but also is one of the topmost wheat producing states of India. Wheat is grown in an area of 188 thousand hectares and the production stands at 662 thousand tonnes.

Conclusion

Wheat production in India holds immense significance for the country's food security, economic growth, and rural development. The largest wheat-producing states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar, play a critical role in fulfilling the increasing demand for wheat.

If you want to learn more about wheat production in India or wheat producing states in India, stay tuned with Tractorkarvan.