Sweet Corn Farming in India: A Detailed Guide

Sweet corn, known for its juicy kernels and delightful taste, has gained significant popularity among Indian farmers and consumers alike. Unlike regular field corn, sweet corn is harvested when its kernels are still tender and full of natural sugars. This crop not only provides a delicious addition to meals but also offers substantial economic benefits to farmers. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of sweet corn farming in India, from its cultivation practices to pest management, to help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

Sweet Corn Crop at a Glance

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) is a warm-season crop that can be grown in various agro-climatic zones across India. It is primarily cultivated for its edible kernels, which are consumed fresh, frozen, or canned.

• Biological Name: Zea mays saccharata
• Cropping Season: Kharif (monsoon), Rabi (winter), and Zaid (summer)
• Crop Type: Vegetable
• Production: India has seen a steady increase in sweet corn production due to growing demand.
• Consumption: Consumed as a vegetable, in salads, soups, and various culinary dishes.
• Export: India exports sweet corn to several countries, enhancing its agricultural export portfolio.

Types of Sweet Corn in India

Sweet corn varieties in India are mainly classified based on the kernel type and sweetness level:

1. Standard Sweet (SU): Contains moderate sugar levels, harvested at the milk stage.
2. Sugary Enhanced (SE): Higher sugar content and tenderness than SU varieties.
3. Super Sweet (SH2): Very high sugar content, longer shelf life, and more tender kernels.
4. Triple Sweet: Combines the attributes of SE and SH2, offering exceptional sweetness and texture.

Major Sweet Corn Producing States in India

Sweet corn is grown extensively in various states, with major producers being:

• Karnataka
• Maharashtra
• Tamil Nadu
• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh
• Punjab
• Haryana

Required Climatic Conditions

Sweet corn thrives in warm, temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for sweet corn cultivation is 20°C to 30°C. The crop requires about 500-800 mm of rainfall, well-distributed throughout its growing period. Excessive moisture or prolonged drought can adversely affect growth and yield.

Soil Requirement

Sweet corn grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.8 to 7.0. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal for cultivation. Proper soil management practices, including the incorporation of organic matter and balanced fertilization, enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting better crop 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 crucial for achieving optimal yield. The best sowing time for sweet corn is:

• Kharif Season: June to July
• Rabi Season: October to November
• Zaid Season: February to March

Seed Rate

The recommended seed rate for sweet corn is 2-3 kg per acre. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2.5 to 5 cm, maintaining adequate soil moisture.

Variety

Selecting the right variety is critical for successful sweet corn ki kheti. Some popular varieties include:

• Madhuri
• Priya
• Sugar-75
• Golden Bantam

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 sweet corn is 60-75 cm between rows and 20-25 cm between plants.

Nutrient Management

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

• Basal Dose per acre includes 50 kg of DAP, 50 kg of MOP, and 10 kg of Micronutrients.
• After 20 days, apply 50 kg of Urea, 10 kg of Magnesium Sulphate, and 10 kg of Zinc Sulphate as top dressing.
• After 40 days, apply 50 kg of DAP and 25 kg of Urea as top dressing.
• After 55 days, apply 50 kg of Urea based on specific crop requirements.

Irrigation Management

Sweet corn requires consistent moisture throughout its growing period. Key irrigation stages include:

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 sweet corn 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 Sweet Corn

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 sweet corn 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 borer 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 diseases are harmful to Sweet corn farming and directly affect the yield of the Sweet 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

Sweet corn is ready for harvest when the kernels are at the milk stage and the husks are green. This usually occurs about 18-24 days after silking. After harvesting, sweet corn should be consumed fresh or processed quickly to retain its sweetness and tenderness.

Yield

With proper management practices, Sweet corn yield per acre can range from 44,000 Cobs or 3 to 5 tonnes per acre. The yield varies based on variety, climatic conditions, and farming practices.

Conclusion

Sweet corn farming in India offers immense potential for enhancing farmer incomes and meeting consumer demand for fresh, tender corn. 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 sweet corn cultivation to maximize your productivity.

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