Production Technology of Hybrid Maize

Dr. M. Amiruzzaman

Introduction

The name maize (Zea mays L.) is derived from an Arawak-carib word, 'mahiz'.

It is also known as 'Indian corn', and in America simply as 'Corn'. It is an annual crop

and most important cereal in the world after wheat and rice. Columbus encountered

maize on his first voyage in 1492, and subsequent explorers found maize being grown

by the Indians throughout the Western Hemisphere. Within a comparatively short

time of the discovery of America, maize had spread widely throughout the world, and

became an important source of carbohydrate food for the poorer classes in many

tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate countries.

Maize is consumed either directly or indirectly by millions of people. About

75% of the maize is fed to animal; thus, indirect consumption is greater than direct

consumption. Maize is produced primarily as an energy crop, but specialized versions

for protein, oil, waxy, sweet corn, baby corn and pop corn are available.

In Bangladesh, maize can be grown round the year. In kharif cultivation,

farmers face various problems such as waterlogging, high infestation of disease-pests

etc. Due to this reason, it is now extensively being grown in rabi season under

irrigated condition. However, kharif cultivation is also possible in some suitable areas.

Soil

A deep loamy soil, high in organic matter and plant nutrients in the best soil

for maize. However, with proper management and fertilizer practices, maize can be

grown successfully on any soil from loamy sand to clay. The soil should be free from

salinity and waterlogging. It can be grown successfully on soils with a pH from 5.0 -

8.0, but 6.0 - 7.0 is optimum. If the soil pH is low, liming might be necessary.

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Time of planting

Maize should be planted as early in the season as possible as soon as soil

conditions are favorable; in temperate countries when the major danger of frost is

over, and in the tropics at the beginning of the rains. Planting dates should be chosen

to avoid risky environmental conditions such as excessively cool or hot temperatures

and isolation problems. Separate planting dates may be used to achieve a proper nick

between the male and female parents. In Bangladesh, optimum time of sowing in rabi

season is mid October to 1st week of December, in kharif I, from mid February to end

of March and in kharif II, from mid July to mid August.

Method of cultivation

Maize can be cultivated with normal land preparation or with minimum or

zero tillage. Under normal condition, four to five ploughing followed by laddering are

adequate for sowing. Seeds should be sown in rows. Usually, sowing is done in

furrows in light textured soils and in ridges in heavy soils. In flood prone areas,

sowing can be done by dibbling method under zero tillage conditions after receding

flood water.

Seed treatment

The purpose of treating seed by fungicide before planting is to protect against

seed bron diseases. The most common fungicides used for seed treatment are Furadan

and Arasan M. Seed can be treated by 50 ml of Furadan 30% (seed treater), 2g of

Arasan 75% (wettable powder) and 12 ml of water per kilogram of seed.

Seed rate

Seed rate varies depending on the grain size, seed viability and the purpose of

growing. One kg maize seed contains between 2-3 thousand grains. In commercial

cultivation, for small grained variety the recommended seed rate is 20-22 kg/ha, for

medium grained 23-25 kg/ha and for large grained 25-30 kg/ha. For the grain crop,

these rates are quite sufficient but for a fodder crop seed rate would be increase to 70-

90 kg/ha. In Bangladesh, farmers use between 20 to 30 kg/ha seed for hybrid.

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Planting depth

Planting depth varies widely with soil conditions and climate. Usually the

objective is to plant at a soil depth that will optimize soil temperature and soil water

and result in rapid and high percentage germination and emergence. The usual

planting depth is 5.0-12.5 cm depending on the soil type; on wet cold soils 5.0 cm

may be sufficient; on dry soils planting should be deeper to get down to the moisture,

and is 7.5 cm on clays, 10 cm on silts and 12.5 cm on sands.

Spacing and planting density

The spacing will depend upon the local climate and soil conditions and the

cultivars. In Bangladesh, it is recommended to plant in rows 75 cm apart with a plant

to plant spacing of 20 cm with one plant per hill which gives 66,666 plants/ha.

Fertilizer requirement

Fertilizers are indispensable for the crop production system of modern

agriculture. Among the factors that affect crop production, fertilizer is the single most

important one that plays a critical role in yield increase, provided other factors are not

too limiting.

Although maize can be grown in a low level of nutrient condition, it does

respond well to high level of fertility. Fertilizer application depends on fertility status

of the soil where maize will be grown as well as the nutrient requirement of maize

plants. Fertilizer should be applied to achieve maximum seed production while

considering economic and environmental factors. Appropriate fertilizer applications

will vary depending on the soil and environmental conditions and the material being

produced. In general, inbreds have poorer rooting capacity than hybrids and therefore,

are more vulnerable to nutrient imbalances and deficiencies. Proper levels of N, P, K,

are essential for adequate plant growth. In addition to N-P-K, several micronutrients

are of special importance for seed development processes including magnesium

(essential for germination), boron (flower development and pollen germination), zinc

(seed formation) and molybdenum (endosperm development). For the main nutrients

it is estimated that plants take up to an average of 3 kg of nitrogen (N), 1.35 kg of

phosphorus (P2O5) and 3.1 kg of potassium (K2O) to yield 100 kg of grain. However,

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in Bangladesh for inbred lines, open-pollinated and hybrid varieties the dose of N,

P2O5, K2O, S, Zn and B per hectare, respectively, are as follows:

i) for OPV's and inbreds: 120, 80, 80, 20, 5, 1ii) for hybrids : 250, 120, 120, 40, 5, 1

Time and method of fertilizer application influence maize yield. One third of N and

other fertilizers should be applied at the time of seed bed preparation. Remaining two

third of N should be applied in two installments: One-third at floral initiation (Knee

height stage) and the rest at about one week before silking. In case of dibbling method

of planting, initial dose of fertilizers can be applied in the pits, 10 cm apart from the

plants. The second and third doses of N can be applied as mentioned in two

installments. For better yield 5-7 tons of cowdung per hectare should be applied.

Intercultural operations

For a good stand of maize, over planting and then thinning at crop

establishment stage may be practical. In case of over-planting, thinning to a desired

number should be done within two weeks of germination or when the seedlings are

about 15 cm tall. Care should be taken not to disturb standing plants at the time of

thinning operation.

Earthing up of plants is one of the most important operations in maize

cultivation. Earthing up means placing of soil near the base of the plant collected from

the space between the rows. These operations helps to provide anchorage of the lower

whorls of adventitious roots above the soil which then begin to function as absorbing

roots. This operation also prevents the plants from lodging. The furrows made out of

this operation could be used as drainage or irrigation channels, depending on the

needs. This operation can be performed with the help of spade at the time of

application of the second dose of N at knee height stage of the crop.

Weed control is essential to ensure good harvest. In Bangladesh, weeds are not

a serious problem in the winter season but in the summer season weeding is

necessary. When the seedlings are about 2 weeks old, first weeding should be done.

Another 2-3 weeding may be required depending on the degree of weed infestations

during different life cycle of the crop. Proper weed control is particularly important,

as it will greatly facilitate roguing, detasseling, field inspection, and harvest

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operations. Additionally, weeds can be hosts of undesirable diseases and insects

which can reduce seed quality. Two to three hoeings in between the rows are also

recommended. Maize farmers of Bangladesh practice hand weeding when weed

infestation is very high.

Water management

Maize is an efficient crop so far as use of water is concerned. It produces

about one kg of dry matter for about 370-400 kg of water used, provided that the

water requirement of the crop is met at all stages of crop growth. However, moisture

is one of the most important factors limiting the yield of maize on non-irrigated farms.

The total amount of water required for the development of maize crop varies with

local conditions. Generally water requirement is higher in hot, dry and low rainfall

areas, and lower in cooler and more humid areas.

In summer, there is no need to irrigate except during prolonged drought

period. However, if the crop is sown before rains, a pre-sowing irrigation is required

for germination and good subsequent growth. Under heavy rainfall conditions,

drainage will need to be provided.

In winter, residual soil moisture stored from monsoon can support a good

stand of maize seeds and dibbled during September and October in the flood-prone

areas, once floodwater recedes. Water stress at the time of germination, floral

initiation, anthesis, and grain filling stage would reduce grains yield considerably.

One irrigation at each of these growth stages i.e. within a day of planting, at knee

height stage of the crop growth, a week before silking and about two weeks after

silking, are necessary for high yield. Waterlogging at any stages of growth is harmful.

Inter-cropping

Maize intercropped with groundnut, soyabean, mungbean, blackgram,

chickpea, radish, tomato, potato, sweet potato, chilli and broadcasted aus rice at

varying populations spacing showed good results. Equivalent yield and benefit cost

ratio were found to be higher in many of the intercropped combinations.

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Cropping pattern

The On-Farm Research Division of BARI designed and tested several patterns

alternative to farmers existing pattern at different AEZ of Bangladesh. Among them,

five patterns considered to be better were recommended for farmers practice. The

patterns are as follows :

Land type Environment

Cropping Pattern Prevalence in AEZ

Medium high land Irrigated Ext.: B. aus (Rainfed)-T. Aman-PotatoAlt.: Maize (Rainfed)-T.Aman-Potato

4, 11

High land Rainfed Ext.: B. aus -Fallow-MustardAlt.: Maize -Mungbean-Mustard

3, 4 11, 12

High land Rainfed Ext.: B. aus-Fallow-MustardAlt.: Maize - Fallow-Wheat

3, 411, 12

Medium high land Irrigated Ext.: B. aus (Rainfed)-T. aman-WheatAlt.: Maize (Rainfed)-T.aman-Wheat

4

Medium high land Irrigated Ext.: Jute (Rainfed)-T. aman-WheatAlt.:Mungbean (Rainfed)-T.aman-Maize

4

Ext. = Existing, Alt. = Alternative

Harvest and Post-harvest Processing

Harvesting

Harvesting should be done when plants show distinct signs of drying, the husk

cover is completely dry and the grains are fully mature. Grain maturity could be

identified from the milk line of kernels or the formation of a black layer at the

junction of grain and placenta. There are some varieties in which cobs mature and dry

early while stalk remain green for a longer time. For these varieties, degree of drying

of the husk cover, moisture content of the grain and black layer formation or milk line

should be used to determine the harvesting time. If the crop is meant for green cobs, it

should be harvested when the grain are in milk or dough stage. Farmers in the

country, sometimes harvest the crop pre-maturity due to lack of knowledge.

Premature harvesting of maize reduces the yield and the germination ability of the

seed. At physiological maturity, seeds develop to complete functional maturity and

express maximum quality potential. If possible, a prompt harvest of the maize seed

crop after it reaches physiological maturity is recommended, as delays will unduly

expose the seed to possible undesirable elements in the field including temperature

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extremes, rainfall, diseases and insects, bird damage and theft. Maize seed is

commonly harvested with 15 to 25% moisture content. Harvesting of fully mature

seed will result in maximum yield, improved appearance of seed, better seedling vigor

in the subsequent crop, greater resistance to mechanical injury while handling in the

conditioning plant, and reduced susceptibility to injury from high drying

temperatures. In Bangladesh, harvesting is done by hand. The cobs are separated from

the stem and the plants are cut near the ground.

Time of Maize ear/cob harvesting

The maize cob is technically ready for harvest when the black layer has been

formed and the grain has reached physiological maturity. Reportedly grain quality is

the best at this stage and its starts declining as time passes and seed is exposed to

various external forces. Kernels have reached their maximum dry matter

accumulation at this stage. Moisture percentage at which karnels of corn varies ranges

30 to 38 (Knittle and Burris, 1976).

Appropriate harvest time

At physiological maturity, seeds develop to complete functional maturity and

express maximum quality potential. Moisture content at this stage ranges from 30-

35% in maize grain. Maize grain obtain physiological maturity typically few days

prior to field maturity. Seed moisture content at physiological maturity is too high to

permit mechanical harvesting and handling. Also, drying costs are often excessive

when harvesting at this stage. Therefore, cobs should be kept on the plant untill

moisture declines to economically acceptable level (20-25%), and this stage is defined

as “field maturity”.

Harvesting when fully mature results in:

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Improved appearance of grains. Greater resistance to mechanical injury while handling & processing plants. Harvesting fully mature grain will results in the maximum yield.

Method of harvesting, husking and sorting

Maize ears may be harvested by hand or machinery. Ears can be harvested

directly from maize plant by removing the husk from ears or with the husk intact.

Mechanical harvester can be used for harvesting for large amount of cobs.

Consideration for harvesting

At the time of harvesting if there is chance of rain, slidely twisting (bend) and

dropping the maize stalk just beneath the ears, so that rain water cannot enter into

the cob through the ear tips.

Sorting of cobs or removal of

Rotten ear Diseased ear Undesirable ear Insect damaged ear

Drying

At harvest innitialy the moisture contect remains usually high and it fast

deteriorate the seed. Drying is done to preserve the grain quality and bring down the

moisture prior to shelling. Time required for drying repends on shape, size of ear and

dryness of the grain.

Methods of drying

Conventional method

(1) Sun drying

De-husked corn ears or shelled corns are dried by spreading them evenly & thinly on concrete floor with sheets or mats, plastic or tarpauline.

Drying takes about 2 to 3 sunny days. It depends on initial MC and weather condition.

Ears with husks should be down to about 18 to 20% moisture prior to shelling, while shelled corn about 12% for storage.

Precautions required in sun drying

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use of tarpauline, sheets, mats etc. Frequent turning of dehusked ears/shelled grains for uniform drying

(2) By natural ventilation(3) Another method is suspending rows of bundled corn ear with husk open

to expose the kernels on bamboo poles.

Artificial method

This method is ideal for large volume and during wet season. Artificial drying is often necessary to maintain required moisture content when

sun drying is disrupted by frequent rainfall. Heated air forced to pass through the grain mass for quick drying. When grain moisture 35-40%, dried at lower temperature than 40 Oc When grain moisture 20% or less dried up to 45 Oc temperature to bring the

grain moisture 12-13% (Beck,2000)

Shelling, cleaning and sizing

Shelling, cleaning and sizing of maize grain are necessary to prepare a

Uniform Product High quality product Satisfactory in appearance and free from mixtures

Shelling

Significant percentages of maize grains are lost due to poor shelling and

drying facilities. Capacity of BARI manual maize sheller is 30-35 kg/ha. The shelling

capacity of BARI small power sheller is 1000 kg/hr. and the shelling capacity of large

power sheller is 2000-2500 kg/hr. Hood shelling obtained at 800 to 900 RPM of the

shelling rotor. Shelling moisture content of maize grain is slight below 20% dry basis.

Higher or much below 20% moisture content of grains will face mechanical damage.

Considerations while shelling to get a good quality grain

Shell at proper moisture Check for mechanical damage if any, that makes lower quality grain. For threshing, use threshing floor.

Cleaning

Grains from sheller contains varying amounts of foreign material, consisting

of bits of cob, husk, silk, pieces of kernels and on occasion, insect larvae brought in

from the field with the ear corn, storage property, plant ability, and appearance of

grain are greatly enhanced by removal of such debris. After shelling corn grain are

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dried well in the sum or by direr. Automatic cleaner then clears by hand winnowing or

in large scale the grains. Cleaning must be closely supervised and must not be left to

labourers.

Harvest and post-harvest losses can be from

Ears left out during harvest Leaving the second and smaller earn on plants during harvest Grain losses during shelling, drying, cleaning, handling and storage Lodged plants in the field At least 8% of field losses can be expented

Seed Storage

The aim of storing is to put the grain for drying The most critical atmospheric conditions are temperature and relative

humidity, which control grain MC in open storage. One of the major sources of loss in quality and quantity of maize grain is in

the storage are of fungi, insects, rodents and mites. For preventing insect infestation, fumigation can be done by using phostoxin

tablet (3 tob/ton) Persons responsible for storage must keep up-to-date on such diverse topics as

good physiology, refrigeration, engineering and rodents and insect control.

Before Storage check of MC is important

To avoid deterioration Required for safe storage Reduction of seed-borne insects and diseases attack

High moisture will cause

Excessive mold growth and May drastically and rapidly reduce germination

Conclusion

Care must be taken in producing quality maize grain during harvesting, drying, shelling, handling and storage.

High quality grain is the results of careful planning and attention, with a sincere desire to produce grain of the highest possible potential performance.

References

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Beck, D.L. 2002. Management of hybrid maize seed production. CIMMYT, Mexico.

Delonche, J.C. 1973. Precepts of seed storage. Seed Technology Laboratory Mississipi State University, Pp. 97-122.

Harrington, 1959. Drying, storing and Packaging seeds to maintain germination & vigour. Proceedings Miss. short course for seedsmen, 1959. Miss. State Univ., Stark ville, M.S. Pp. 80-107.

Hossain, S.A. and Hoque, M.M. 2000. Varietal and cultural management development on maize in Bangladesh. Paper presented in the national workshop on Development and Utilization of Maize in Bangladesh.

Improvement and production of maize, sorghum and millet. 1980. (Vol. 2-breeding, agronomy and seed production). FAO. Rome. Pp. 142-157.

Islam, T.M.T. and Kaul, A.K. 1986. Prospects of Maize in Bangladesh. FAO/UNDP Project, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pp. 49-57.

Jugenheimer, R.W. 1976. Corn-Improvement, Seed Production and uses. John willey & Sons, NewYork. Pp. 467-483.

Karim, M.A. 1995. Maize storage problem: Stored-grain pests and diseases of maize and their management. Paper presented at the national maize promotion workshop.

Knittle, K.H. and J.S. Burris. 1976. Effect of kernel maturation on subsequent seedling vigor in maize. Crop Sci. 16: 851-855.

Purseglove, J.W. 1975. Tropical crops: Mono-colyledons (Vol. 1&2 combined). Longman, London. Pp. 300-334.

Maize Varieties and Quality Seeds

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Dr. Bhagya Rani Banik

Bangladesh is the most densely populated part of the world. Though cereal

productivity of the country has increased significantly by adoption of HYVs

concomitant with appropriate government policies and program, still it cannot keep

pace with the population growth of the country as it is increasing at an alarming rate.

This situation necessitated producing more food for the fast growing population of the

country, which is not possible only through rice and wheat. Moreover, every day the

country is losing 221 hectares of cropland owing to industrialization, urbanization and

river erosion. So, high productive crop like maize is important now.

Presents status

Maize in Bangladesh is becoming an important crop in the rice based cropping

system. With the increasing demand from poultry and other feed industries it is

expected that more area will be diverted from Boro rice to hybrid maize in the coming

years. Every year the country is importing a huge amount of maize grain to meet the

poultry feed demand. Therefore, increasing maize production in the country is a

serious concern of the government. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

(BARI) initiated its maize improvement program in early eightees with a view to

develop high yielding varieties of maize. So far BARI released 8 open-pollinated

varieties (Table 1) and 11 hybrids (Table 2). Yield productivity of the released OPVs

and hybrids ranges from 5.5 to 7.0 t/ha and 8.5 to 11.5 t/ha (Bhuiyan and

Amiruzzaman. 2002), respectively.

Area, Production and Major Shifts

Rice is the main crop that produces the highest amount of cereals and covers

maximum cultivated areas. Maize acreage and production have an increasing

tendency with the introduction of hybrids since 1993. Maize productivity in the

country seems to be the highest in the Asian region with an average yield of 5.75 t/ha.

This is due to favorable growing conditions during the maize growing season

(October to March) and the increased use of hybrid seeds and improve production

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practices by growers (Gonzalez et al., 2001). It is increasing with an exponential rate

(Agrawal, 2002). Higher yield up to 9-10 t/ha can be obtained using hybrid seeds,

balance fertilizers and better management (Iqbal, 2001).

Achievement on Maize Breeding ProgramResearch on varietal improvement of maize was initiated after the

independence of Bangladesh in 1971 at BARI with limited manpower and resources.

Open-Pollinated Varieties Initial thrust was given for the development of composite varieties as it has an

advantage over hybrid in greater convenience of seed multiplication. Moreover, there

was shortage of trained manpower for hybrid development. So far BARI has

developed eight OPVs viz. Barnali, Shuvra, Khoibhutta (popcorn), Mohar, BARI

Maize 5, 6 and 7 and BARI sweet corn 1. BARI sweetcorn 1 produced 10.0 tons/ha

green cob with TSS 18% and it also gave 24.2 tons/ha green biomass. Besides these,

one baby corn line is in the pipeline.

Hybrid Maize

Since early nineties, breeding strategy of the country is directed towards the

development of hybrid maize. BARI conducted several CIMMYT hybrid trials every

year. From these trials and local breeding programs 11 hybrids has been developed.

Inbred Development

BARI has its own inbred development program. Research for the development

of inbred line is going on and some inbreds are developed locally. Local and exotic

promising germplasm are used as the source population. Promising single crosses are

also being recycled for extraction of superior inbred lines. Some lines are in advanced

generations. Side by side introduced inbred lines from CIMMYT and other

organizations are also being evaluated and maintained. Both exotic and locally

developed promising inbred lines are being used extensively in hybridization program

for development of single cross and top cross hybrids (Bhuiyan and Amiruzzaman.

2002).

Breeder’s Seed Production

Seed is one of the main limiting factors for expansion of maize area in the

country. BARI with its limited resources, produce breeder’s seed and distributed to

BADC and other NGOs for multiplication. Most of the hybrids cultivating in the

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country are imported. Different seed companies and businessman are importing seeds

of different hybrid varieties (eg. Pacific 11, 60, 984, 988, 983, 962K, Pinacle, NK 40,

NK 46, 900M, 900M gold, 962, Pinacle, Pioneer V92 etc) directly from Thailand,

India, China, Vietnam and other countries. BRAC, an NGO started to produce hybrid

seed locally by importing inbred lines from multinational seed companies by paying

royalty. At the present rate of importing hybrid seed, Bangladesh needs to import

about 4000 tons of hybrid seed. Only 20% requirements of hybrid seed (1000-1500

tons) is met from local production. So, local production of hybrid seed should be

expanded to reduce import. Bangladesh is in favorable situation to expand and

develop a strong and efficient maize seed industry (Gonzalez et al. 2001). Private

seed companies and NGOs need both technical and financial support to produce

hybrid seed locally. BARI started giving parent lines of BARI maize hybrids to

different local seed companies, NGOs and BADC. They are successfully producing

hybrid maize seed with the assistance of maize scientists and they reported that cost of

production of local hybrid is just 1 dollar/kg, whereas the farmers are buying imported

hybrid seeds at a price of about 3.5-4.5 dollar/kg.

Extension Activities

Maize is a newly introduced crop in Bangladesh. Its cultivation is gaining

popularity in the country very quickly due to its high yield potential. The existing rate

can only be maintained through farmers training, extension work and steady supply of

quality seed.

Prospects of maize in Bangladesh

Among the cereals grown in Bangladesh, maize is the third most important crop after

rice and wheat. Now it is grown on an estimated area of 2.02 lakh hectares with an

annual production of 13.76 lakh tons. Maize has gained an increasingly important

attention by the government. Demaned of maize is lively to progressively increase in

near future. This is mainly due to the huge demand of maize, particularly for poultry

feed industry. Besides maize has diversified uses as food and industrial raw materials.

Moreover, cultivation of hybrid maize is much profitable than boro rice and wheat.

Local production can reduce maize import. It will also be cheaper to support animal

14

industries as well as upgrade human food in the country. Price of imported maize is

usually higher than local maize. This has initiated the local producers and thus more

and more farmers are now moving into maize cultivation.

Potential area of maize is very high in Bangladesh and it is about 2.8 million

hectares (Table 3). Maize cultivation can be increased extensively in Dhaka and

Rajshahi division and moderately in Chittagong. Covering one-third of the potential

area (0.93 million ha) with 8.0 t/ha yield. The demand of maize in 2030 would be 3.50

million tons and the target areas would be 2.97 million hectare (Table 4). There are

ample scopes for maize cultivation in Bangladesh which are mentioned below:

Climate and soil of Bangladesh

Geographically Bangladesh is located between 20o34' and 26o38' north latitude

and between 88o01' and 92o41' east longitude. The climatic condition is suitable for

maize cultivation in the country. Maize can be grown in all most all types of soils. So

there is a bright future of maize in Bangladesh.

Maize cultivation in rabi and kharif season

Maize has been included in different cropping pattern for both rabi and kharif

season, such as Maize-T.Aman-Potato, Maize-Mungbean-Mustard, Maize-Fallow-

Wheat etc. which encourage the farmers' income. Farmer always wants to cultivate

profitable and low risk crops. As farmers are getting higher yield, lower risk and

higher profit from maize than rice and wheat, they are gradually diverting their efforts

in maize cultivation. Therefore, maize cultivation is being rapidly expanding both in

rabi and kharif seasons.

Maize as intercrop

Cropping sequences and intercropping patterns to maximize the profit per

hectare and per year need to be identified. Maize can be cultivated in different

intercropping, such as Chilli + Maize, Sweet Potato + Maize, Grass pea + Pea-Maize

(Zero tillage), Tomato + Maize and Potato + Maize, Maize + Groundnut, Maize +

Blackgram, Maize + Pulse, Maize + Reddish etc.

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Maize can be cultivated by zero or minimum cultivation

Like grasspea, pea, blackgram, mungbean, gram, wheat etc. maize can easily

be grown by zero or minimum tillage. Moreover, maize is a deep rooted crop which

absorbs water & nutrition from the deep sub-soil and thus increases nutrient recycling.

Maize as homestead agriculture

There are about two crore dwellings in Bangladesh. As maize can be grown in

zero or minimum tillage, there are ample scope to cultivate maize in the homestead.

Maize in post-flooding condition

Just after receding flood water, maize can be easily grown in char areas which

ensure the crop cultivation to combat the flood disaster.

Human consumption

As a human food, maize can be targated for the low income groups both in

rural and urban areas. Once it is popularized, middle and upper class will adapt it

which happened in the case of wheat in Bangladesh. Different types of human food

can be prepared from maize. Like Roti, Paratha, Mixed roti, Potato-maize roti, Puri,

Maize pancakes, Maize flour-meal mix, Loaf bread, Muffin, Maize kheer, Maize

cake, Maize biscuits, Maize khichuri, Maize-rice khichuri, Maize meal rolls, Cheese

puffs, Maize fritters, Maize pullao, Maize porridge, Maize cobs, Green maize cobs,

Boiled maize, Fried maize, Popcorn, Maize bhaji, Maize curry, Maize pudding,

Cutlets etc. (Islam and Kaul, 1986). But most of the people of our country are not

familiar with all the above mentioned preparations. So, extension program in large

scale to be taken to popularize maize as human consumption. Researcher, extension

officers, relevant NGOs can play a vital role in this regard. Maize flour and grits can

also be distributed through 'Food for Work' (Islam and Kaul, 1986).

Food value

Maize is rich in nutrients. If the people are conscious, it has bright prospects in

Bangladesh. It’s food value is higher than rice, wheat & sorghum.

Maize as poultry feed

Demand for maize as a component of poultry feed is already high in the

country. Maize is one of the important ingredients in poultry, swine and cattle ration

due to its high carotene and food value. Almost every family possesses few numbers

of poultry. Moreover, the number of poultry is increasing day by day. Poultry industry

16

is also increasing to its market demand. So, as a poultry feed, the demand of maize is

very high. In this regard, contact between owner of poultry industry and farmer can

encourage farmer to grow more maize. Extension worker may play a vital role.

Maize as fodder

Potential for increasing area under maize fodder or silage is also high in the

country. Considerable quantity of fodder would be available when area under maize

as green cobs as well as in some cases as grain is increased. Thus fodder maize may

meet up the requirments of livestock to some extent.

Maize as fish feed

There are ample scopes of maize as fish feed. But no step has yet been taken

in this regard. So, government should take proper steps to establish such type of

industry.

Maize as industrial use

The immediate prospect of using maize in the industry lies in the use of maize

as raw materials for starch industry, corn oil industry breakfast cereal industry and

confectionary (Islam and Kaul, 1986). It also may help in solving unemployment

problem.

Maize as fuel

With the production of maize, large quantity of stalks will be produced. Apart

from using maize stalks as cooking fuel, possibilities of using stalks in the paper,

hardboard and other industries could be examined.

Maize as a good source of oil

The maize grain contents 5-12% oil (Hossain, 1993). It is very useful for I.Q.

of baby, pragnant and breast feeding mother. The corn oil is also very beneficial for

liver and kidney.

Maize is recognized for its high yielding capacity. Its performance on

experimental skill in Bangladesh is highly encouraging and all feasibility reports

suggest that the demand for maize as food, feed, fooder, industrial use will help to

grow maize in large scale in Bangladesh. Above all both Governments and public

attempt may create a bright prospect in Bangladesh.

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Seed germination test

The germination percentage of seeds should be tested first before sowing in

the field. Germenation of seeds can be tested in differet simple metheods. Putting 100

seeds seatterdly in a soil made flat pot or wet jute made mats and after counting of

germinated seed, makes it in percentage. Seeds germinated below 80% are not good

and not wise to use.

Characteristics of BARI and exotic Hybrids and their availability in Bangladesh

Marketing of maize in Bangladesh

Demand for maize as a component of poultry feed is already high in the

country. Maize is one of the important ingredients in poultry and caltte ration due to

its high carotene and food value. Poultry industry is also increasing to its market

demand. So as poultry feed, the demand of maize is very high. In this regard, contact

between owner of poultry industry and farmers can encourage farmer to grow more

maize. There is a strong maize market channel in North Bengal areas. Farmers can

easily sale maize to buyers with satisfachery price and they are getting more benefity

than from wheat or rice cultivation.

Table 1. List of composite maize varieties developed by BARI

Variety Yield (t/ha) Year of release

Suitable area

1. Barnali 4.0-5.0 t/ha 1986 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

2. Shuvra 4.5-5.5 t/ha 1986 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

3. Mohar 4.5-5.6 t/ha 1986 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

4. BARI Maize 5 5.5-6.0 t/ha 1997 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

5. BARI Maize 6 5.7-6.2 t/ha 1998 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

6. BARI Maize 7 5.5-6.5 t/ha 1998 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

7. Khoibhutta 4.5-5.0 t/ha 1986 The crop can be cultivated all over Bangladesh

8. BARI Sweet corn 1 10-10.5 t/ha 2002 Homestead areas

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Table 2. List of hybrid maize varieties developed by BARI during 2000-2010

Hybrid Variety Yield (t/ha)

Maturity Year of release

Grain colour and texture

BARI hybrid maize 1 7.5 - 8.5 140-145 2000 Orange-yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 2 8.0 -9.0 138-142 2002 Orange-yellow, semi-flintBARI hybrid maize 3 9.0 -9.5 144-150 2002 Yellow, dentBARI hybrid maize 4 7.5 - 8.5 142-146 2002 Orange-yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 5 9.0 - 10.0 140-145 2004 Orange-yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 6 9.8 - 10.0 141-145 2006 Yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 7 10.5-11.2 141-145 2006 Yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 8 9.7 -11.5 142-146 2007 Yellow, dentBARI hybrid maize 9 10.2 -12.0 145-150 2007 Orange-yellow, dentBARI hybrid maize 10 9.0 -11.5 145-150 2008 Yellow, flintBARI hybrid maize 11 9.5 -11.5 147-153 2008 Yellow, flint

Table 3. Suitable area for maize cultivation by administrative divisions.

Division Potential area ( ‘000 ha)Rabi Kharif Total Percent

Dhaka 522 180 702 25Rajshahi 1,359 150 1,509 54Chittagong 375 27 402 14Khulna 139 45 184 6Barisal 8 3 11 1Total 2,403 405 2,808 100Source: IMPP, DAE

Table 4. Production target in 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2030 (as far as available)

Projected population/ Demand/

Production target of maize

Projected Year

2010 2015 2020 2030

Projected pop. (mil.) 148.0 156.7 166.9 190.6

Demand (mil. ton) 1.88 2.25 3.00 3.50

Target area (m ha) 0.20 0.30 0.35 0.40

Target avg. yield (t/ha) 6.5 7.5 8.0 8.5

Prodn, target (mil. ton) 1.30 2.25 2.80 2.97

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References

Agrawal, B.D.2002. Hybrid Maize Seed Production. Misson Report. Thana Cereal Technology Transfer and Identification Project, Bangladesh. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. March, 2002.

Bhuiyan, M.S.A. and M. Amiruzzaman. 2002. Changes in priorities maize research in Bangladesh and relation to CIMMYT regional activities. Country Paper Presented at the 8th Asian Regional Maize Workshop held from August, 5-8, 2002 at Bangkok, Thailand.

Gonzalez, F., S.K. Vasal and C. Meisner. 2001. Towards an efficient maize seed industry in Bangladesh. Lessons from past experience and current research. National Workshop on "Evolving Maize Industry Development in Bangladesh" held on 9 June,2001 at BARC, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Islam, T. M. T. and A. K. Kaul. 1986. Prospects of Maize in Banladesh. FAO/UNDP Project- Strengthening the Agricultural Extension Service. DAE, Dhaka, Bangladesh. p.125-134.

Iqbal, J. 2001. Exploiting potentials of maize in Bangladesh. National Workshop on "Evolving Maize Industry Development in Bangladesh" held on 9 June, 2001 at BARC, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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