Wheat, the backbone of life as well as Pakistan, is an important member of the grass family which provides more nutrition for more people of the world than any other food. It is a most important grain and staple food for more than one thirds of the world population. It is grown both in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Pakistan is one of the countries from all over the world which use wheat as their major staple food.


Pakistans economy continued to face challenges like energy shortages, floods and rains, poor law and order situation, and a host of other structural impediments that have held back investment and growth in the country. The economy of Pakistan during the last five years grew on average at the rate of 2.9 per cent per annum. In Pakistan wheat is grown over 9.046 million hectares with annual production of 24.032 million tons. Wheat production increased to 24.231 million tons in 2012-13 as compared to 23.473 million tons in 2011-12 showing an increase of 3.2 per cent (Source: Economic Survey of Pakistan 2012-13). The possible reason for substantial increase in wheat yield may be the better management practices by the growers and the introduction of new high yielding wheat varieties possessing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses by Plant Breeders.


Wheat provides food for 36 per cent of world population, about 40 per cent (278.6 million tonnes) of the total world wheat production (681.4 million tons) has been produced from the Asia (Anon., 2010). It contributes 14 per cent to the value added in agriculture. Wheat is being grown around one million hectares with annual production of 3.5 million tons in the province of Sindh. The average wheat yield in Sindh is comparatively higher (3543 kg/ha) than other provinces in the country.


It is an important food for the world and vital cereal crop of Pakistan. Ever you think that why it is an important food for the world? It is an important one because:


It contains 40-60 per cent of the calories in the diet of a developed nation. Only wheat has enough gluten to make raised or leavened bread. According to an estimated idea, 100 kgs of wheat contain 2 million grains which are enough to make 100 loaves. More foods are made from wheat than any other grain. It is also an important amongst the cereal crops because it is rich in:


Carbohydrates (mainly as starch) for energy. At least 80 per cent of the content of wheat is comprises of carbohydrate


Protein essential for growth and development and it comprises 9-15 per cent of the total content of wheat.


Essential vitamins and minerals such as; B-vitamins which are vital for digestive system and help the body to use energy in accurate way


Calcium which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth


Iron an important element for making blood.


Other than all these contents, mentioned above, wheat contains so many other elements which have small proportion in the composition of the wheat and it also contains other trace elements which performs there function in human body and nobody can say fit itself if he/she has deficiency of these elements in his/her body.


These other elements are magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and other trace elements which are contributing to general good health. Fibre is also obtained from bran (the outer skin of the wheat grain).


It is also a sustainable energy source as Bio-ethanol. Bio-ethanol is liquid fuel made from the carbohydrate content of plants.


This is then converted in to sugars that are fermented and distilled to make ethanol. Compared with fossil derived fuels, bio-ethanol generally has lower emissions, saves energy and improves air quality and hence public health.


The portion of the wheat plant that is not used as a food source can, therefore, be used as an effective alternative to petroleum. Its not over here but have many more. Gluten which is extracted from wheat has many uses as;


Gluten is used by the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of capsules.


Gluten is also used in the paper making industry to coat paper.


After that wheat-germ is a rich source of vitamin E, it protects body tissue from damage by oxidization. Creams containing wheat-germ oil improve the structure and appearance of the skin. It is also a popular health food.


In context to these entire benefits the world is focusing on wheat and utilizing it almost in every food.


In Pakistan although it has “Rice” as its substitute but its not a choice of every one. As wheat is playing an important role in the health of human beings so everyone wants to use wheat in his/her food.


By keeping in view all these discussed points, the government of Pakistan, researchers and scientists should focus on it.


To become self-sufficient in wheat, Pakistan has all the required basic ingredients such as fertile land, sufficient irrigation water, hardworking farmers, certified seed varieties of local and foreign origin and modern technology in abundance, provided these are utilized to full potential, which is possible only if there is a firm will on the part of the planners.


Besides all these good factors, Pakistan has so many problems which directly or indirectly affect the basis of agriculture.


To control all the negative factors and problems, to break the stagnation in the agriculture sector for the production of crops, the huge water losses in the irrigation system should be checked, the infrastructure in the rural areas to be developed to improve farm to market delivery and proper education and training to acquaint the farmers in modern agriculture practices are required.


Devoted and concerted efforts associated with scientific approach are needed to make each province and only self-sufficient in food but producing export surplus to give a strong helping hand to the national economy.


Wheat sowing season has been started. The recommended sowing date for rain fed areas is the month of October. For irrigated areas, wheat must be sown in the first fortnight of November, with seed rate of 50 kilogram per acre.


Now, it is the best time to motivate the wheat growers and farmers to grow more wheat.

By Web Team

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