Patna: In a time when agricultural sector is crumbling due to dwindling profits, farmer distress and climate change, an innovative farmer from Bihar has set the tone for adaptive agricultural practices with the production of 'black wheat.'
Girinder Narayan Sharma, a farmer from Dehri village in Bihar's Patna district, has successfully produced black wheat, which could turn the fortunes of farmers in crisis.
Kalam-inspired Bihar farmer produces Black Wheat Sharma has credited his achievement to late President APJ Abdul Kalam!
According to Sharma, Kalam visited Bihar in 2006 as President and commented on modern farming and other innovative ways to make profits in agriculture.
The production of black wheat is similar to the normal wheat. It gets its colour from anthocyanin- a flavonoid which gives plants rich colouring.
Sharma claimed that he procured grains from National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Punjab.
The colour of fruits, vegetables and grains become blue, violet or black depending on the abundance of anthocyanin.
According to experts, the black wheat brings along more nutritious benefits and profit for the farmer. Several health benefits are also being reported.
The black wheat is biofortified with zinc which can fight malnutrition among children and abundance of antioxidant makes it effective against lifestyle diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
According to reports, the average wheat anthocyanin is just five ppm, while the black wheat contains 100-200 ppm.
Besides, farmers claim that black wheat sells at Rs.2600-2800, almost double compared to normal wheat, making it a cost-effective crop.
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