Maize (corn) is one of the most versatile and profitable cereal crops grown in India. It is used for human consumption, animal feed, and even biofuel production. However, many farmers face challenges such as low productivity, improper input use, and pest attacks. By adopting improved agronomic practices, maize yield can be significantly increased, even under resource-limited conditions.
📍 Suitable Climate and Soil
- Ideal Temperature: 21–30°C during growth, not below 15°C during germination.
- Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soils with good organic matter.
- Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
🧑🌾 Improved Agronomic Practices
1. ✅ Land Preparation
- Deep ploughing followed by 1–2 harrowings.
- Ensure a well-leveled seedbed for uniform germination.
- Add 10–15 tons of FYM or compost per hectare before sowing.
2. 🌱 Selection of High-Yielding Hybrids and Varieties
| Zone | Recommended Hybrids/Varieties |
|---|---|
| North India | HQPM 1, Vivek Hybrid 9, Pusa HM 4 |
| Central India | NK 6240, Bio 9681, DKC 9125 |
| South India | COH(M) 5, DHM 117, Suwan-1 |
Hybrid maize generally gives 20–30% more yield than traditional varieties.
3. 📅 Sowing Time and Spacing
- Kharif Season: June–July
- Rabi Season: October–November (in southern India)
- Spacing: 60 cm (row to row) × 20 cm (plant to plant)
- Seed Rate: 18–20 kg/ha (hybrids), 25–30 kg/ha (composites)
Tip: Treat seeds with Fungicide (Carbendazim + Thiram) and Biofertilizer (Azospirillum or PSB) before sowing.
4. 🌾 Nutrient Management
Apply fertilizers as per soil test. General recommendation:
- Nitrogen (N): 150–180 kg/ha
- Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 60–80 kg/ha
- Potassium (K₂O): 40–60 kg/ha
Split application of Nitrogen:
- 25% at sowing
- 50% at knee-high stage
- 25% at tasseling
Zinc Sulphate (25 kg/ha) helps reduce yellowing and improves cob formation.
5. 💧 Water Management
- Critical stages for irrigation:
- Germination
- Knee-high stage
- Tasseling
- Silking
- Grain filling
Avoid water stagnation and drought stress during flowering.
6. 🐛 Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests:
- Stem borer: Use Chlorantraniliprole or Cartap Hydrochloride
- Fall Armyworm (FAW): Spray Spinetoram or Emamectin Benzoate at early signs
Common Diseases:
- Turcicum leaf blight: Use Mancozeb at 2g/litre of water
- Downy mildew: Seed treatment and resistant varieties
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with traps, neem-based products, and crop rotation is highly recommended.
7. 🔁 Intercropping and Crop Rotation
- Maize + Cowpea or Maize + Soybean improves soil health and gives additional income.
- Crop rotation with pulses breaks pest and disease cycle.
8. 🧾 Harvesting Tips
- Harvest when husks dry and kernels harden (20% moisture).
- Dry the cobs in the sun for 7–10 days before shelling.
- Store in moisture-proof bags in a cool, dry place.
🎯 Key Takeaways
| Practice | Impact on Yield |
|---|---|
| Use of hybrids | +20–30% yield |
| Balanced fertilization | Improves cob size, kernel weight |
| Timely irrigation | Boosts grain filling |
| Pest control (FAW etc.) | Prevents 30–40% crop loss |
🧑🌾 Conclusion
Maize has the potential to become a high-return crop for farmers across India if cultivated using scientific practices. With good planning, use of quality seeds, nutrient management, and pest control, maize yield can easily reach 6–8 tons per hectare or more.