Lucknow: In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set an ambitious target to double maize production by 2027 during his second term. The goal is to elevate maize output to 27.30 lakh metric tonnes within the specified period. To achieve this, the Yogi government plans to enhance both the cultivation area and the yield per hectare.
To spearhead this initiative, the state has started the “Quick Maize Development Scheme,” with a substantial financial backing of Rs 27.68 crore allocated for the fiscal year 2023/2024. This scheme is designed to drive advancements in maize farming techniques and boost production efficiency across the state.
Maize production in the state has currently reached 21.16 lakh metric tonnes, with cultivation spread across approximately 8.30 lakh hectares. The Indian Maize Institute, affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, is actively supporting state government efforts to enhance maize farming.
As the third major food crop after paddy and wheat, maize’s versatility is central to the ambitious goal of doubling its production by 2027. This target will be achieved through increased yield per hectare and expanded cultivation area. The future of maize production is further bolstered by its potential in ethanol production.
Maize’s versatility across seasons and uses
Maize’s adaptability allows it to be grown in all three crop seasons—Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid—and in various types of land with effective drainage management. Its benefits extend beyond nutritional value to industrial uses, including ethanol production, animal and poultry feed, and medicinal applications. Additionally, maize plays a significant role in the food industry, appearing in products like flour, dhokla, baby corn, and popcorn. Its diverse applications underline its importance and potential for growth.
As maize’s versatility continues to spur its demand, Uttar Pradesh farmers stand to gain significantly. To maximize benefits from this growing demand, the state government is proactively educating farmers on advanced maize cultivation techniques and increasing the rate of seed replacement. Additionally, maize has been included under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme to ensure fair pricing for farmers’ produce.
Maize, often hailed as the “queen of grains,” is packed with essential nutrients including carbohydrates, sugar, fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its rich nutritional profile positions maize cultivation as a strategic approach to combat malnutrition.
Experts suggest that advanced farming methods could boost maize yields to as high as 100 quintals per hectare. Currently, Tamil Nadu leads with an average yield of 59.39 quintals per hectare. By comparison, the national average is 26 quintals, while Uttar Pradesh averaged 21.63 quintals per hectare in 2021-22. This indicates substantial potential for improving maize yields in the state through enhanced farming practices.
To support maize farmers, the state government is providing substantial subsidies for essential equipment. Given that ripe corn crops typically have about 30 percent moisture, proper drying is crucial to prevent fungal infections. The government is offering a subsidy of Rs 12 lakh on the purchase of a dryer machine priced at Rs 15 lakh, making it more affordable for farmers and producing organizations. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 10,000 is available for popcorn machines, with similar support provided for other maize sowing and processing equipment.
To further enhance maize production, the state government is sending progressive farmers to the Indian Maize Research Institute for specialized training on advanced production techniques. For optimal yields, farmers are encouraged to use improved maize varieties suited to their agro-climatic zones.
Varieties such as Dunkal Double, Kanchan 25, DKS 9108, DHM 117, HRM-1, NK 6240, Pinawala, 900 M, and Gold are recommended for their high productivity. While maize generally matures in 80-120 days, popcorn varieties are ready in just 60 days, offering quicker turnaround for this popular product.
