Avoid These Mistakes Before Harvesting Wheat, or You May Face Heavy Losses

wheat harvesting

Krishi Dunia

• 01 Mar, 2025 03:10 PM IST ,
• Updated Sun, 02 Mar 2025 12:49 PM

As March arrives, wheat harvesting begins, and farmers aim to reap and store their crops as soon as possible. However, certain mistakes made during this process can negatively impact both yield and quality. If you want to maximize your wheat production, it's crucial to take some important precautions before harvesting.

1. Check Moisture Levels in Wheat Grains:

Before harvesting, it is essential to check the moisture content of wheat grains. Many farmers start harvesting as soon as the grains appear ripe, but if the moisture level is too high, the grains do not fully mature and remain small in size.

For proper harvesting, wheat grain moisture should be between 12% and 14%. If moisture levels are higher, allow the crop to dry properly. This will help increase grain weight and ensure safe storage.

2. Avoid Immediate Threshing After Harvesting:

Many farmers opt for threshing immediately after harvesting, which can lead to grain loss. At this stage, the grains are not fully dry, which affects their quality.

It is advisable to let the harvested crop dry in the field for 2-3 days before threshing. Once the stalks and grains are completely dry, threshing will yield better quality grains and reduce storage issues.

3. Protect the Crop from Unseasonal Rain:

During March-April, unexpected rainfall or hailstorms can cause significant damage to the wheat crop. If it rains before harvesting, the grains may sprout, reducing their quality and market value.

To avoid this:

• Regularly check weather forecasts.
• If rain is expected, cover the crop with tarpaulin or plastic sheets for protection.
• Do not leave harvested wheat in open fields for long periods to prevent moisture damage.

4. Stop Irrigation 15-20 Days Before Harvesting:

Watering wheat plants close to harvesting increases moisture levels, making cutting and threshing difficult.

Discontinue irrigation 15-20 days before harvesting to allow the plants and grains to dry completely. This ensures easy harvesting and results in stronger, high-quality grains.

Taking the right precautions before harvesting can significantly improve wheat quality and yield.

• Check moisture content before harvesting and cut the crop at the right time.
• Do not thresh immediately; let the crop dry for 2-3 days.
• Protect the crop from unseasonal rain using tarpaulin or other safety measures.
• Stop irrigation 15-20 days before harvesting to ensure fully dried grains.

By following these steps, farmers can achieve higher yields, better grain quality, and trouble-free storage for their wheat crop.