Experts call for a balanced approach to wheat sustainability at ‘Wheat in Transformation’ Seminar

Experts call for a balanced approach to wheat sustainability at ‘Wheat in Transformation’ Seminar

Two-day national seminar on wheat begins at Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh

Chandigarh 7 Noveember ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The two-day long “Wheat in Transformation' being organised at Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) & Roller Flour Millers Association of Punjab (RFMAP) commenced at Hotel Hyatt Regency on Friday. The seminar brings together key stakeholders from across India’s wheat ecosystem including policymakers, researchers, flour millers, processors and farmers. The inaugural press conference held on the eve of the seminar was addressed by Ajay Goyal, Chairman, WPPS and Dharminder Singh Gill, Chairman, RFMAP who emphasized the urgent need for collective action to ensure the long-term sustainability of wheat in India’s food system especially amid changing climate conditions and evolving consumer perceptions. “Wheat must reclaim its rightful place as a staple food” – Ajay Goyal Addressing the press conference, Ajay Goyal underlined the vital role WPPS has played over the last four decades in promoting and safeguarding the wheat industry. Goyal highlighted that the seminar’s theme 'Wheat in Transformation' focuses on three critical dimensions : climate, quality and consumption. “Wheat has been part of our civilization for over 6,000 years. It is the staple food for millions, yet it is unfortunate that in recent times, social media has contributed to the defamation of wheat,” he remarked. “There is a growing propaganda against wheat which needs to be negated with scientific facts, awareness and the propagation of the nutritional and cultural value of wheat and its products.” The WPPS Chairman emphasized the importance of establishing and adhering to quality norms to ensure that consumers receive safe, nutritious and consistent wheat-based products. “Maintaining the quality of wheat is paramount. Shelf life and food safety are critical factors, and there should be proper norms and monitoring systems to preserve them,” he added. Goyal also discussed the role of scientific innovation in addressing India’s food security challenges. “The Green Revolution of the 1970s transformed Indian agriculture but now we must elevate our approach through advanced scientific engineering. While organic wheat has its place, we cannot depend solely on natural yields. Genetic Modification (GM) is not allowed in wheat but scientific innovation in other forms must be encouraged to improve productivity and resilience,” he said. He cautioned that complete dependence on nature for food production could jeopardize national food security. “If we rely solely on nature, food shortages may emerge, pushing prices beyond the reach of common people. We need to maintain a balance between sustainability, productivity and affordability. Only then can we ensure that wheat remains central to India’s nutritional and economic stability,” he concluded. “Floods may boost productivity due to silt deposits” – Dharminder Singh Gill 

Adding to the discussion, Dharminder Singh Gill, Chairman of the Roller Flour Millers Association of Punjab, addressed the current challenges faced by wheat growers in Punjab following recent floods. He acknowledged that while certain pockets, particularly those along the Beas River were adversely affected, the overall impact might turn out to be beneficial in the long term. “The areas adjoining the Beas were indeed affected by flooding, but the nutrient-rich silt left behind has improved soil fertility. As a result, productivity in several regions is expected to rise in the upcoming cropping season,” Gill explained. The two-day seminar will feature technical sessions, policy dialogues, and panel discussions led by experts from agriculture, food technology and nutrition fields. Topics such as climate resilience in wheat cultivation, fortification and quality standards, consumer perception and awareness and technological advancements in milling will be discussed.