Maize Production Technology

Maize (corn) is a vital cereal crop, playing a key role in food, fodder, and industrial processing. With modern production technology, farmers can achieve higher yields, better quality, and improved profitability while ensuring sustainability.

 Key Steps in Maize Production Technology

Climate & Soil Selection

➡ Grows best in warm temperatures (20-30°C) with well-drained loamy soil.

➡ Ideal soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5 for optimal nutrient absorption.

High-Yielding Hybrid Seeds

➡ Use disease-resistant and drought-tolerant hybrid varieties.

➡ Choose region-specific seeds for maximum productivity.

Precision Sowing & Spacing

➡ Best sowing time: Kharif (June-July), Rabi (October-November), and Summer (January-February).

➡ Row spacing: 60-75 cm, plant spacing: 18-25 cm for higher yield.

➡ Use mechanized seed drills for uniform planting.

 Nutrient & Fertilizer Management

➡ NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) Recommendation:

• Basal Dose: 60 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅, 40 kg K₂O per hectare.
• Top Dressing: Additional nitrogen at knee-high and flowering stages.

➡ Apply organic manure to enhance soil fertility.

Efficient Irrigation & Water Management

➡ Critical Stages: Germination, Tasseling, Silking & Grain Filling.

➡ Methods: Drip irrigation & furrow irrigation ensure water efficiency.

Weed & Pest Control

➡ Use pre-emergence & post-emergence herbicides for weed control.

➡ Protect against Fall Armyworm, Stem Borers, & Shoot Fly with IPM techniques.

➡ Biocontrol & crop rotation help in sustainable pest management.

Harvesting & Post-Harvest Management

➡ Harvest when husk turns brown and kernels are hard (~90-120 days).

➡ Maintain moisture content below 13% for safe storage.

➡ Use mechanized shelling & proper storage techniques to prevent post-harvest losses.