Maize’s multiple benefits prompt Yogi govt to actively promote its cultivation

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his second term, has set an ambitious goal to double maize production in Uttar Pradesh by 2027. Aligning with this vision, the state’s Agriculture Minister recently addressed the State-Level Kharif Seminar organized by the Agriculture Department in Lucknow, where he urged farmers to boost the production of key crops, including maize, tur, and mustard.

The government’s sustained encouragement is already yielding positive results. In the past eight years under CM Yogi’s leadership, the production of pulses and oilseeds has doubled. Farmers are also increasingly turning to maize cultivation, drawn by its multipurpose benefits.

In 2021–22, maize production in the state stood at 14.67 lakh metric tonnes. The government aims to increase this to 27.30 lakh metric tonnes within the target period. Efforts are being made to expand the cultivated area and enhance productivity per hectare.

Maize stands out for its versatility in terms of nutritional value, high yields, suitability for intercropping, or industrial applications. It can be cultivated throughout all seasons and on diverse types of land. The only critical requirement is proper drainage management in the fields.

Widely used across various industries, maize is crucial in ethanol production, animal and poultry feed, pharmaceuticals, paper manufacturing, and alcohol distillation. Additionally, it is consumed in various forms such as corn, flour, baby corn, and popcorn, and is a key ingredient in many soups and processed foods. Its diverse usage continues to drive the demand.

Recognizing its vast potential, the state government proactively encourages farmers to adopt advanced cultivation techniques. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to inform farmers about improved farming practices.

Maize is also included under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework to ensure remunerative returns. Maize is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, so it has earned the title of “Queen of Cereals.”

Experts believe that with advanced agricultural practices, maize yields of up to 100 quintals per hectare are achievable. Tamil Nadu currently leads the country with an average productivity of 59.39 quintals per hectare, while the national average is 26 quintals. Uttar Pradesh, in comparison, recorded an average yield of 21.63 quintals per hectare in 2021–22, indicating significant scope for improvement.

According to Dr. S.K. Tomar, in charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Belipar (Gorakhpur), the optimal window for sowing Kharif maize is from June 15 to July 15. In areas with irrigation facilities, sowing can begin as early as mid-May, allowing the crop to establish before the onset of heavy rains.

Approximately 8 kg of seed is needed per acre. Line sowing is recommended for better yields, with 60 cm spacing between rows and 20 cm between plants. If available, a bed planter is suggested for sowing.