Priorities for wheat intensification in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains

Rising wheat consumption and recurring climate extremes threaten food security in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain. Closing wheat yield gaps in this region through agronomic practices currently available to farmers can contribute to a more secure future in this region. In Nepal and Bihar, India, a set of complementary management practice were associated with higher yields, namely: 1) early sowing with long maturing varieties, 2) higher rates of N, P and particularly K application, 3) transitions to zero-till for crop establishment, and 4) encouraging more frequent irrigation. Financial and policy support for infrastructure and agricultural inputs, extension, research and development of private service networks made a marked improvement in yield outcomes in Bihar.