Package of Practice for Maize Cultivation
Maize (corn), known as makka in Hindi, is one of the most important cereal crops in India after rice and wheat. It is cultivated across various agro-climatic zones and is grown in all three seasons—Kharif, Rabi, and Summer—with Kharif being the major season, contributing over 80% of the total production. With proper agronomic practices like timely sowing, use of hybrid seeds, balanced fertilization, and effective pest and weed management, maize offers high yields and excellent returns. The crop is used for food, fodder, industrial products, and poultry feed, making it a versatile and high-demand commodity in Indian agriculture.
Ideal Soil for Cultivation
The crop grows best in deep, fertile soils with medium texture. Avoid sowing in saline or alkaline soils, as they negatively impact growth and yield.
Sowing Time
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Kharif Season: Up to 15th July (before monsoon onset)
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Rabi Season: From 15th October to 15th November
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Summer Season: From 15th January to 15th February
Seed Rate
Use 8–10 kg of quality seed per acre for optimum plant population and yield.
Sowing Method
Ridge and furrow (raised bed) sowing is more effective than flat sowing, as it ensures faster and healthier germination.
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Prepare ridges in the East–West direction, and sow seeds on the southern face of the ridge at a depth of 5–6 cm.
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For flat sowing, maintain a depth of 3–4 cm.
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Keep 75 cm spacing between rows and 20 cm between plants.
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After 15–20 days of sowing, thin out excess plants to maintain proper spacing.
Fertilizer & Manure Application
Apply 3–4 tons of well-rotted FYM per acre at least 15–20 days before sowing.
Recommended Fertilizer Doses (per acre):
| Season | Urea (kg) | DAP (kg) | MOP (kg) | Zinc Sulphate (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kharif | 40 | 40 | 10 | 10 |
| Rabi/Summer | 120 | 50 | 145 | 50 |
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Apply the full dose of DAP, Potash (MOP), Zinc Sulphate, and one-third of the Urea at sowing.
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Apply the second one-third dose of Urea when plants reach knee height.
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Apply the remaining one-third dose before panicle initiation (flag leaf stage).
Weed Control
| Type of Weed | Herbicide Name | Dose | Water Volume | Time of Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadleaf Weeds | Atrazine 50% WP | 400 gm | 200 liters | Immediately after sowing |
| Broad + Narrow Leaves | Tembotrione 34.4% SC (Laudis) | 115 ml | 200 liters | 15 days after sowing |
Perform 1–2 hand weedings as needed.
Irrigation Schedule
Irrigate the field during flowering and grain filling stages for better yield. In the rainy season, ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Major Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Treatment Product | Quantity | Water Volume | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stem Borer | Ekalux (Quinalphos) or Cypermethrin | 500 ml or 100 ml | 200 liters | 15 days after sowing |
| Leaf Blight & Spot | Mancozeb (Indofil M-45) | 600 gm | 200 liters | At knee-height growth stage |
| Stem Rot |
