Narendra 09: A game-changing wheat innovation

February 19, 2025 Innovation Valli Sarvani

In the hills of Nainital, a groundbreaking agricultural innovation emerged through the dedication of Narendra Singh Mehra.

In 2008, while cultivating the RR21 wheat variety, Mehra noticed certain plants in his crop that stood out for their health, height, and fuller grains.

Recognizing their potential, he selected and replanted their seeds season after season, leading to the development of a high-yield, resilient wheat variety called Narendra 09.

Narendra 09 is not a hybrid but a naturally selected indigenous strain. Mehra’s careful cultivation preserved key traits that made it stand out in farming.

The variety yields 50-80 grains per stalk, far surpassing the 20-25 grains produced by traditional varieties.

Additionally, it is highly adaptable, thriving in diverse climates, including mountainous, plains, and arid regions.

This resilience makes it suitable for various agricultural landscapes across India.

Furthermore, Narendra 09 requires less water than conventional wheat, offering an ideal solution for water-scarce areas.

Its ability to grow without chemical fertilizers also makes it an excellent choice for organic farming, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Mehra’s innovation gained recognition when he collaborated with institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra and GB Pant Agricultural University.

With the support of experts, he successfully registered Narendra 09 under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act.

The variety was tested and cultivated in regions like Mount Abu, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, proving its versatility and robustness.

Farmers across India, such as Vinita Singh from Uttarakhand, reported significant increases in yields after switching to Narendra 09.

Singh saw a remarkable yield of 2,800 to 2,900 kg per acre, far exceeding the typical wheat crops.

As more farmers adopted this variety, it became a popular choice for those seeking higher productivity and sustainable farming practices.

Narendra 09 is not just an agricultural innovation but a symbol of self-reliance and sustainable farming.

Mehra’s efforts highlight how innovation in agriculture can stem from observation, experimentation, and dedication, offering a promising future for India’s farming community.

Image by Divesh Ray from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on April 09, 2019