Maize is turning out to be one of the most viable crops for Indian farmers. Maize is a fast-growing crop which matures within three months and doesn't require excessive water like paddy. With its flexibility to adapt to various kinds of soil and climatic conditions, farmers across numerous states are making the shift towards maize due to better yields. From small-scale farmers in rainfed areas or large cultivators using modern technology, maize seems to be well-suited to every farm type.
The crop is not only useful for human consumption but also as fodder for animals and raw material for many industries. It can be utilized in the production of starch, oil, ethanol, and poultry feed, hence farmers have more than one buyer and marketing opportunity. With the rising demand for maize, so does the demand for selecting the right variety of seed.
Top 10 High-Yielding Maize Varieties
Let's discuss ten best maize varieties through which Indian farmers can boost their profits with sustainable yields:
1. Pusa Hybrid Makka 5: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Pusa Hybrid Makka 5 is a unique variety of hybrid maize that is rich in protein content. This variety is abundant in both lysine and tryptophan, which is ideal for poultry and livestock feed. It matures in 90 to 95 days and can yield up to 70 quintals per acre. The variety is particularly suitable for the farmers of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Its resistance to stem borers and leaf diseases makes it a reliable option.
2. DHM 117: Resilient Performer
DHM 117 is also known as Dekalb Hybrid Maize. It is a robust variety that can thrive even in poor-fertility soils. It takes 85 to 90 days to mature and has high stress tolerance and resistance to major pests such as the fall armyworm. It is best suited for Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. This variety guarantees a yield of 65 to 75 quintals per acre, ensuring it is perfect for farmers seeking consistency and high returns.
3. PMH 10: The Early Maturing Variety
Punjab Hybrid Maize 10 is an early maturing variety that is perfect for farmers who want to grow two crops in a year. It matures in 80 to 85 days and is known for its tolerance to heat and drought. It has a yield potential of 70 to 80 quintals per acre. PMH 10 is a good option for farmers in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat who want to make the most of their land.
4. NK 6240: Ideal for Industrial Uses
Syngenta's NK 6240 is a high starch content hybrid variety suitable for industries manufacturing ethanol and cornflakes. It matures in 95 to 100 days and provides up to 85 quintals of yield per acre. The variety is resistant to lodging and can be grown optimally in the southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
5. Bio 9681: Suitable for Rainfed and Irrigated Areas
Bioseed’s Bio 9681 is suitable for both rainfed and irrigated farms. It matures in 90 to 95 days and can produce 70 to 80 quintals per acre. This variety is known for its disease resistance and high cob weight. This variety is suitable for farmers in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha and has seen great results using Bio 9681.
6. HQPM 7: Protein-rich and Pest-Resistant
HQPM 7 is a biofortified hybrid variety that is rich in quality proteins. It can be used for animal feed as well. It matures in 85 to 90 days and provides a yield of up to 60 to 70 quintals per acre. This variety also has a high level of resistance against post-harvest pests and is a reliable choice for farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
7. DKC 9141: The Late-Sowing Variety
Dekalb's DKC 9141 has a very good performance in conditions of late sowing. It matures in 95 to 100 days and can produce 80 to 90 quintals per acre. It is resistant to stress and possesses a high grain-filling ability, so it is a reliable option for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
8. Ganga Safed 2: The Traditional Choice
Ganga Safed 2 is the tested and tried variety for farmers who prefer open-pollinated varieties. It may yield about 40 to 50 quintals per acre, which is slightly less. However, seed saving for use in the upcoming season can cut input costs by farmers. Ganga Safed 2 comes to maturity after 100 to 110 days and is excellent for organic rainfed farming.
9. Vivek QPM 9: Better Nutrition for Hills and Children
This hybrid-quality protein maize is specially developed for better nutritional value. It takes a maturity period of 90 to 95 days and gives 55 to 65 quintals per acre of yield. It is a great choice for child nutrition programs. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
10. Palam Sankar Makka 3: Best for Hills and Temperate Region
This hybrid takes up to 95 to 100 days to mature and gives a yield of 50 to 60 quintals per acre. It is economical and works well in hilly and cold areas such as Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Its cold stress resistance and affordability make it a viable choice for small and marginal farmers.
Why Indian Farmers Also Shift to Maize Farming
Maize has numerous advantages over traditional crops such as paddy and wheat. It requires a lot less water, which serves to conserve resources and avert waterlogging. Being a three-month crop cycle, farmers are able to plant other crops in the same field, and their earnings boosted. Maize also maintains soil fertility when planted in rotation with pulses, and its market demand continues to increase.
Road Ahead
Currently, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh are the top-producing states in India, They produce around 30 million tonnes of maize a year. Maize farming is becoming more accessible and lucrative due to rising export demand and government assistance in the form of subsidies for hybrid seeds, irrigation infrastructure, and post-harvest technologies.
The local climate, soil type, and market demands should all be taken into consideration when farmers choose their maize varieties. Income can be further increased by selling through farmer producer organizations (FPOs), rotating crops, and using drip irrigation. For Indian farmers, maize cultivation can provide a promising and sustainable future with smart planning and the appropriate seeds.
