Maize Cultivation in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Maize, commonly known as corn, is one of the most significant crops in India, playing a crucial role in the agriculture sector. With its diverse uses ranging from food and fodder to industrial raw materials, maize cultivation is essential for the country’s economy. This blog will explore the various aspects of maize cultivation in India, including its types, climatic requirements, soil preferences, and best farming practices to achieve optimal yield.

Maize Crop at a Glance

Maize (Zea mays) is a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of agro-climatic conditions. It is predominantly cultivated during the Kharif season (June to October), but with the advent of irrigation and improved varieties, it is also grown in the Rabi (winter) and summer seasons.

• Biological Name: Zea mays
• Cropping Season: Maize season in India during the Kharif, Rabi, and Summer seasons.
• Crop Type: Cereal
• Production: Maize production in India reaches around 28 million tonnes annually.
• Consumption: Maize is consumed as food, fodder, and in industrial applications.
• Export: India exports maize to several countries, contributing significantly to foreign exchange.

Types of Maize in India

India grows various types of maize, each serving different purposes:

1. Field Corn: Primarily used for animal feed and industrial purposes.
2. Sweet Corn: Consumed as a vegetable and used in salads and soups.
3. Popcorn: A popular snack, known for its popping ability.
4. Flint Corn: Used for human consumption and animal feed, known for its hard kernels.
5. Dent Corn: Predominantly used in food processing and livestock feed.

Major Maize Producing States in India

Maize is grown across India, but certain states are the leading producers:

• Karnataka
• Maharashtra
• Bihar
• Andhra Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu

Required Climatic Conditions

Maize thrives in warm and moist conditions. The ideal temperature range for maize cultivation is between 21°C and 30°C. It requires about 50-75 cm of rainfall, well-distributed throughout the growing period. Excessive rainfall or prolonged drought can adversely affect the crop.

Soil Requirement

Maize grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Sandy loam and silty loam soils are considered ideal. Proper soil management practices, including the use of organic matter and balanced fertilization, can enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting better maize growth.

Land Preparation

Prepare the land by ploughing once or twice, depending on the soil type. Mix 5 tons of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and 3 Liter of composting bacteria in the field, allowing it to decompose in open air for 10 days. Spread this mixture evenly over the soil and use a rotavator to achieve a fine tilth throughout the field. Prepare raised beds, 90 cm wide bed preparation, by using a tractor.

Sowing

Timely sowing is critical for a good maize yield. The best sowing time for the Kharif season is June to July, for the Rabi season is October to November, and for the summer season is February to March.

Seed Rate

The recommended seed rate for maize is 20-25 kg per hectare. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 4-5 cm, maintaining adequate moisture in the soil.

Variety

Choosing the right variety is essential for successful Corn farming. Some popular varieties include:

• Hybrid Varieties: Shaktiman, HQPM, Shine Rise 303, Kanchan K 25 and Bioseed.
• Composite Varieties: Kanchan, Vijaya, and Amber.

Seed Treatment

For effective seed treatment, use Thiamethoxam 30% FS at 10 ml/kg seed to protect against sucking pests. Combine with Carbendazim 50% WP at 3 gm/kg seed to prevent fungal diseases. This dual treatment ensures healthier germination and robust plant growth. 

Spacing

Proper spacing ensures adequate sunlight and nutrient availability. The recommended spacing for maize is 60-75 cm between rows and 20-25 cm between plants.

Nutrient Management

Balanced nutrient management is vital for optimal maize growth. Apply fertilizers based on soil test results. A general recommendation is:

• Nitrogen (N): 120-150 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P2O5): 60-70 kg/ha
• Potassium (K2O): 40-50 kg/ha

Split the nitrogen application into three doses – at sowing, knee-high stage (30-35 days), and pre-tasseling stage (55-60 days).

Irrigation Management

Maize requires adequate water throughout its growing period. The critical stages for irrigation are:

1. Germination: Ensure soil moisture for seed germination.
2. Knee-high stage (35 – 40 DAS): Adequate water is necessary for vegetative growth.
3. Flowering and Tasseling (50 – 55 DAS) : Ensure proper irrigation to support cob formation.
4. Grain Filling (75 – 80 DAS) : Adequate water during this stage ensures good grain development.

Intercultural Operations

Timely weeding and intercultural operations are essential for maize farming:

1. Weeding: Remove weeds manually or chemically within 2-3 weeks of sowing.
2. Thinning: Thin the plants to maintain proper plant population.
3. Earthing up: Promote root development by earthing up around the base of the plants.

Herbicide for Maize

Spray FMC Gilardo 30 ml OR BASF Tynzer Herbicide 30 ml per acre to control both narrow and brad leaf weed. Spray Sempra herbicide 36 gm per acre, if there is nutsedge in maize field. 

Crop Protection

Crop protection includes pest and disease management. Below are the pests and diseases that affect Sugarcane crops.

Pest Management

Fall Army Worm 

The larvae initially feed on the lower parts of the leaves, leaving semitransparent patches. As they mature, they can defoliate plants extensively. Their feeding on young plants may also destroy the growing point, preventing the development of new leaves or cobs.

Mechanical Control: Install Pheromone trap @ 5 per acre. 

Organic control: Spray Neem oil @ 2 ml per lit water.

Chemical control: Spray Emamectin benzoate 5% SG – 0.5 gm OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC – 0.4 ml OR Profex Super Insecticide – 2 ml per liter water. 

Aphids 

Aphids harm plants by extracting sap from leaves. Their extensive feeding causes leaves to yellow and develop brownish-red streaks.

Mechanical Control: Install Yellow and Blue sticky traps @ 10 per acre

Organic Control: Spray Neem oil @ 2 ml per lit water

Chemical Control: Spray Acetamiprid 20% SP – 0.5 gm OR Thiamethoxam 25% WG – 0.5 gm OR Ulala Insecticide 0.4 gm OR Imidacloprid 17.8% SL – 0.5 ml per liter 

Stem borer and Corn Borer 

Stem borers larvae tunnel through the midrib and stem, consuming internal tissues, while corn borers feed on tassels, foliar tissues, and midribs. As older larvae tunnel deeper into stalks, ears, and kernels, they cause extensive damage to the plant.

Chemical Control: Spray Emamectin benzoate 5% SG – 0.5 gm OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC – 0.4 ml OR Ampligo insecticide 0.5 ml per liter water.

Disease Management

The following disease are harmful to Corn farming and directly affect the yield of the Corn crop.

Downy Mildew

Affected plants show chlorotic streaks on the leaves, accompanied by white powdery growth on both leaf surfaces. This condition stunts plant growth, causing a bushy appearance due to shortened internodes.

Organic Control: Spray Pseudomonas Fluorescens 1 gm per liter water.

Chemical Control: Spray Avancer Glow @ 3 gm OR Curzet @ 2.5 gm/liter water.

Leaf Blight 

Mature symptoms manifest as distinctive cigar-shaped lesions, measuring 3 to 15 cm in length. These elliptical lesions exhibit a tan coloration with distinct dark areas. Initially appearing on lower leaves, they progressively spread to upper leaves and ear sheaths as the crop matures.

Organic Control: Spray biofungicide  Trichoderma viride 200 gm per acre.  

Chemical Control: Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP – 3 gm OR Dow Curzate 3 gm OR Taqat – 2 gm per liter water.

Charcoal Rot

The crown area of the affected plant darkens in color, accompanied by shredding of the root bark and disintegration of the root system.

Cultural Control: Implement crop rotation practices. Ensure adequate water supply during flowering to minimize disease risks. Avoid nutrient deficiencies and consider applying 30 kg/acre of potash during flowering if diseases were prevalent in previous seasons.

Chemical Control: Spray Copper oxychloride 50 wp – 2 gm per liter water.

Rust

Brown dusty pustules appear on both leaf surfaces, followed by yellowing and drying.

Organic Control: Spray Tricoderma Viridi 1 gm per liter water.

Chemical Control: Spray Hexaconazole 5% SC 1 ml OR Indofil Avtar 2 gm per liter water.

Harvesting & Threshing

Maize is ready for harvest when the cobs are fully matured, and the husks turn dry. The moisture content in the grains should be around 20-25% at the time of harvest. After harvesting, dry the cobs in the sun before threshing. Threshing can be done manually or using mechanical threshers.

Yield

With proper management practices, maize yields can range from 45 to 60 quintals per acre. Hybrid varieties tend to yield higher compared to traditional varieties.

Conclusion

Maize farming in India holds immense potential for enhancing food security and farmer incomes. By adopting best practices in land preparation, sowing, nutrient management, irrigation, and crop protection, farmers can achieve high yields and sustainable production. Stay informed with the latest advancements and techniques in maize cultivation to maximize your productivity.

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