8th INTERNATIONAL WHEAT CONFERENCE

for genetic enhancement through introgression of desirable genes complexes from unexploited
germplasm and wild progenitors, winter x spring wheat hybridization, development
of hybrids in wheat, precision breeding through molecular approaches, tailoring
wheat genotypes in cropping system perspective, access to quality seeds, conservation
agriculture, integrated water-nutrient-weed management and diversification for better
soil health, etc.
The changing global climate has posed the challenges for resistance to abiotic (heat stress,
waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity conditions) and biotic stresses (rusts, leaf blight, flag
smut, Karnal bunt) under new environmental dynamics. A limited number of known
resistance genes against rusts could be used in breeding programmes so far. Therefore, it
becomes imperative to make use of other unexploited genes to keep the rust epidemics
under check in Indian sub continent. The new threats of stripe rust race 78584 and stem
rust race Ug99 are becoming more dangerous for higher productivity.
In changing socio-economic scenario, value added wheat products that can be consumed
instantly would dominate the domestic market. Wheat demand is expected to be 26.6,
35.3 and 2.5 lakh tons for bread, biscuit and pasta products, respectively by 2012 which
is almost three fold as compared to demand for these products in 1991. Thus, the Indian
wheat programme has to strengthen to meet the quality requirement of domestic as well
as international market. Grain storage and transport need special attention. Small-scale
industries for wheat-based value added products needs to be encouraged in the rural sector
to improve livelihood of farmers and especially of rural woman.
Conclusion
The present yield plateau is the major concern for achieving the targeted wheat production
of 109 million tons by 2020. However, bridging the yield gap between experimental
and farmers’ fields can solve the problem to a considerable extent. With the existing technologies,
about 29.4 million tons wheat can be added to the national basket. For future
needs, the genetic enhancements of yield potential through integration of conventional
and molecular approaches with special reference to the changing climatic conditions, integrated
management of resources and incorporation of resistance genes to various biotic
and abiotic stresses are very significant factors. Quality of wheat will continue to be one
of the major foci of research. With support from farmers, policy makers and extension
units, it is expected that present technologies can be further refined and popularized so
that wheat production can be enhanced to meet our future demand for the food and
nutritional security.
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