Maize, commonly known as ‘makai’ or ‘corn’, is a significant cereal crop in India. It is the country’s third most important food grain, following rice and wheat. Maize is a vital commercial commodity in India, available in various forms such as grain, flour, and starch. In this blog, we will explore maize grain production in India and the popular maize varieties.
Maize production in India
Maize cultivation is widespread across several states in India, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana. Karnataka is the top maize-producing state, accounting for over 25% of India’s total maize output. Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are the second and third largest maize producers in the country, contributing around 15% and 11% of the total production, respectively.
Maize is grown in two major seasons – Kharif and Rabi. The Kharif season, which starts in June and ends in October, accounts for 80%-85% of the total maize production in the country. The Rabi season, on the other hand, begins in November and ends in March. The plantation and harvesting of maize vary according to the region and cultivation methods. Maize thrives well in old alluvial soil, and the ideal temperature range for its cultivation is between 21°C to 27°C.
Maize is a versatile crop used for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial purposes. In recent years, India has been increasing its maize production to meet the growing demand in both domestic and international markets. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the estimated maize production in India for the 2022-2023 season is 32.87 million metric tons, which is a significant 5.5% increase from the previous year. To support this growth, the Government of India is incentivizing farmers through subsidies and other measures, thereby boosting the agricultural sector and contributing to the overall Indian economy.
Different varieties of maize in India
Maize cultivation in India is carried out using traditional, modern, and hybrid methods. India is home to several popular varieties of maize, including yellow, white, and sweet corn. Yellow maize, which is primarily used for animal feed, is the most widely grown variety in the country. On the other hand, white maize is mainly grown for human consumption, and sweet corn is a specialized crop that is cultivated for its sweet taste and consumed as a vegetable. The cultivation of different varieties of maize helps in meeting the diverse requirements of various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industry.
Popular varieties of maize
HM 4: This is a well-known maize variety developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It is highly appreciated for its superior yield potential and adaptability to different agro-climatic conditions.
Ganga Safed 1: A highly favored open-pollinated maize variety developed by ICAR, it is suitable for cultivation in rainfed areas and has a high-yield potential.
Ganga Safed 2: Another popular hybrid maize variety developed by ICAR, it has high-yielding potential and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
DKC 9096: Developed by DuPont Pioneer, this hybrid maize variety is known for its high yield potential and adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions.
P 3397: This open-pollinated maize variety is developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). It is also a high-yielding variety suitable for cultivation in rainfed areas, similar to Ganga Safed 1.
Farmers: Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Farmers is another popular open-pollinated maize variety. It is highly resistant to many pests and diseases and offers high yield potential.
Maize rate on Bijak Vyapaar
If you are a maize trader or supplier, the Bijak Vyapaar app is designed just for you. With this app, you can easily access location-wise and accurate rates for maize. The ‘Price Trends’ feature in Bijak Vyapaar allows you to monitor the price movement of maize over the last few days and enables you to decide the selling rate of your produce accordingly. You no longer need to visit the mandi or call multiple traders to check the selling rates of grain commodities. In the near future, we plan to introduce many more such features on the Bijak Vyapaar app, so that you can sell grains easily with us. So, don’t wait, download the Bijak Vyapaar app now!
Hope you have enjoyed reading our blog. If you found it informative, please give it a ‘Like’ and share it with your fellow traders to help them improve their grain business too. We value your feedback, so feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments section. Stay tuned for more informative blogs, as we aim to publish new content every week.