Summary
This large-scale farmer field experiment across eight districts of Bihar evaluated climate-resilient wheat establishment technologies and optimal planting windows to address yield gaps in subtropical India. Early sowing (November 13–30) combined with happy seeder or zero tillage technologies significantly enhanced productivity (up to 4.96 t/ha) and profitability (net returns to $863/ha, B:C ratio 1.92), whilst delayed sowing caused yield losses exceeding 50%. The findings provide evidence-based guidance for refining regional wheat planting advisories and promoting resource-conserving technologies suited to climate variability in south Asian contexts.
Regional applicability
Direct applicability to UK wheat systems is limited, as the study addresses subtropical monsoon-influenced agroclimates and small-holder farming contexts substantially different from British temperate cereals production. However, principles around optimised sowing dates, conservation agriculture techniques, and climate adaptation monitoring may inform UK wheat resilience strategies under future warming scenarios.
Key measures
Grain productivity (t/ha), net returns ($/ha), benefit-cost ratio, yield gap, planting date effects, crop establishment method performance
Outcomes reported
The study quantified on-farm wheat yield gaps and evaluated three climate-resilient establishment technologies (zero tillage, raised bed, and happy seeder) across varying planting times in Bihar. It measured grain productivity, profitability, and adoption rates of resource-conserving technologies across 566 hectares and 980 farmers.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.