Transforming India Through Agriculture

About Maize Cultivation

Maize, commonly known as “corn,” is one of the most versatile and rapidly emerging cash crops, known for its wide adaptability across various climatic conditions. Often referred to as the “queen of cereals” globally, maize holds significant importance in India, ranking as the third most crucial food cash crop after wheat and rice. It is cultivated year-round across all states for diverse purposes, including animal fodder, food grain, sweet corn, baby corn, green cobs, and popcorn. Corn flour is a staple in Indian cooking. Additionally, maize serves as a fundamental raw material for thousands of industrial products, ranging from oil, starch, and alcoholic beverages to pharmaceuticals, food sweeteners, cereals, cosmetics, film, gum, textiles, packaging, and paper industries.

Problems Faced by Farmers

Maize cultivation is hindered by a lack of resources and training for farmers. Key challenges include limited access to improved seed varieties and high-quality seeds, the often prohibitive cost of fertilizers and pesticides, and inadequate dissemination of best agricultural practices. Additionally, the need for affordable, small-scale mechanization to replace manual labor is pressing. Significant post-harvest losses due to poor storage conditions, pest infestations, and spoilage further exacerbate the difficulties faced by maize farmers.