wheat (गहुँ)
About wheat (गहुँ)
Wheat (गहुँ in Nepali) is a significant cereal crop in Nepal, second only to rice in terms of cultivated area and production. It forms a crucial part of the Nepali diet, especially in rural areas where it serves as a primary source of calories and carbohydrates. The popularity of wheat is on the rise in urban areas as well. It's eaten in the form of roti, chapati, and other wheat based products, and becoming a staple due to it's affordability and convenience. Wheat cultivation is spread across the country but is concentrated in the plains of the Terai region and some mid-hill regions. It also serves an important role in the agricultural economy, providing a livelihood for many farmers.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in wheat
Seasonality
Wheat in Nepal is predominantly a winter crop. It is usually sown between October and December, coinciding with the end of the monsoon season. The harvesting period generally falls between March and May. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the region and altitude. The dry and cooler temperatures of winter are essential for the proper growth and grain filling of wheat.
History
The history of wheat in Nepal is deeply intertwined with the country's agricultural past. While rice has a longer and more dominant history in Nepali agriculture, wheat cultivation has been present for centuries. The introduction of wheat to Nepal is not precisely documented, but it is believed to have been brought through trade routes. The popularity of wheat has increased over time, especially with government initiatives focusing on diversifying cereal production. The development of improved wheat varieties that are more resistant to disease and climate variations have allowed farmers to cultivate this crop more efficiently. In recent times, the accessibility of wheat flour has made it a more important commodity in urban areas. Traditional methods of processing wheat in rural areas like using water mills to grind flour are still used but they are less prevalent now.