Farmers in the Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh are showing keen interest in cultivating black wheat, although the absence of a local market for this crop is proving to be a hindrance. Black wheat is a unique variety of wheat that contains a high quantity of anthocyanin, an antioxidant pigment that enhances its nutritional value.
According to Umesh Pratap Singh, the District Magistrate of Shahjahanpur, this year over 200 farmers across the district cultivated black wheat on more than 250 acres of land. At the local level, the wheat is being purchased for Rs 6,000 per quintal, while in larger cities it is sold for Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per quintal. The district administration is making efforts to ensure that farmers benefit from the crop at the local level.
One farmer, Prem Shankar Gangwar from Tilhar, grew black wheat on one acre of land as an experimental venture. He also established a food processing unit where black wheat is used to make biscuits instead of regular flour. Gangwar mentioned that black wheat flour has become a popular and healthier alternative to traditional flour. Although it has a unique taste, it is highly nutritious. As the wheat ripens, its grains turn black, resembling the appearance of sattu, a flour made from gram.
Shyam Bahadur Singh, the Chief Development Officer of Shahjahanpur, stated that information about cultivating black wheat is being disseminated to farmers in all the villages. The agriculture department not only provides farmers with the necessary seeds but has also formed a team to train them in cultivating this variety. The team conducts inspections, offers guidance on proper crop maintenance, and ensures farmers have the required knowledge for successful cultivation.
Rakesh Pandey, another farmer, shared that black wheat is being cultivated on a significant scale in Kalan, Tilhar, and Powaya tehsils of the district with the support of the local administration. Pandey believes that if processing units are established in the area or if farmers gain access to a market, their income could more than double.
Avadhesh Verma, a farmer from Dadraul, faced challenges due to the absence of a local market for black wheat. However, he managed to sell his crop for Rs 80-100 per kilogram in the online market. Recognizing this issue, the District Magistrate expressed the need to encourage farmers to grow black wheat to increase their income. The installation of food processing units for black wheat will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of 'Udyog Bandhu,' an organization of the Uttar Pradesh government that assists in resolving issues faced by industries and promotes investments.
Efforts are being made to establish connections between agricultural officials and traders to facilitate the purchase of black wheat. Once processing units are set up in the region, more farmers will benefit from this promising crop.
Despite the current market challenges, the cultivation of black wheat in Shahjahanpur holds tremendous potential for the agricultural community, promising improved livelihoods and increased nutritional value for consumers.
