Maize is also known as ‘corn’ in different parts of the world. The scientific name of maize is Zea mays. Maize plants belong to the family Poaceae. This is a great staple food, maize in Hindi, known as Makki.
Maize and maize products are the backbone of many healthy products in the world. It is gluten-free, while its dietary fiber content contributes to digestive health. Native Americans and North Americans come on top while consuming corn.
Introduction
The maize plant is grassy and one of the most cultivated staple foods in the world. Corn is a famous cereal grain widely used across the world. Maize originated in Central America and southern Mexico.
The plant has a tall, green stalk along with its broad leaves. These flowers contain male reproductive organs on top of the flower as well.
Many youngsters like to have boiled corn on the cob because it’s good for digestive health.
Top maize-producing states
Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka come first in maize-producing states. Bihar is the second-largest maize-producing state. Andhra Pradesh has the highest state productivity.
Maize Farming
This farming, like any other agricultural endeavor, also faces challenges. Maize plants are also prone to diseases. The plants face diseases like corn smut and northern corn leaf blight. These diseases will affect the yields of the plants.
- Land Preparation: Maize cultivation needs a good land area without any weeds. The maize plant needs a firm seedbed that is free from any weeds. The land should be plowed well. Followed by harrowing, which brings soil to the tilth.
- Soil: The maize trees grow well in loamy sand or sandy soil. The soil should have water-holding capacity. Maize plants grow well at neutral pH levels. Maize is a sensitive plant. The pH range of the soil is 5.5 to 7.5, and proper drainage is mandatory.
- Climate: The maize plant can withstand any kind of frost at any stage of growth. In India, the cultivation extends from the hot, arid places. Corn grows in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, as well as in wet hilly areas like Assam and Bengal.
- Temperature: Maize grows where the night temperature does not go below 15.60 °C. It cannot withstand frost at any stage of its growth.
- Irrigation: After planting the corn seeds, it’s important to water the plant right away. The first irrigation should happen on the third or fourth day, depending on the soil. During the initial 25 to 30 days, the corn crop does not necessitate additional water supply. It’s best to water it less often during this time, maybe just a week.
- Diseases and Insects: The common diseases in maize farming are downy mildew and leaf spot.
- Downy mildew: To control the downy mildew infection, remove the affected plants. Spraying Metalaxyl 72 WP for downy mildew
- Leaf spot: Spray captain or Mancozeb per acre when the infection is high among plants.
- Fertilizer: Farm Yard Manure application should be made during the preparation of the land. It should apply inorganic fertilizers like superphosphate, urea, and potash as a base dose. After 20 days of seed sowing, farmers should apply urea, and then after 40 days, apply potash as the top dressing.
Maize Types/ Types of corn
| Hybrid Variety | Grain Type |
| Ganga Safed | Medium, White Color (Semi-flint) |
| Deccan | Bold, Yellow Color (Semi-flint) |
| Ganga-5 | Bold, Yellow Color (Semi-flint) |
| Himalayan | Bold, White (Dent) |
Maize Tree
Maize is a cereal plant that belongs to the grass family. The maize plant starts as a seed. As it matures, it develops into tall stalks with leaves, and the cob contains the kernels.
Maize seed
Maize seeds are also known as kernels, and they come in different colors like yellow, white, and some shades of blue as well. Maize seed is also used as livestock feed, and it contributes to the global agricultural ecosystem.
Harvesting
The harvesting should be done when the outer cover of the crop turns from green to white.
Season
Maize is grown in all three seasons in India. The Rabi crop grows from October to November, and the spring crop grows from January to February. Kharif crop is grown in June and July.
Baby Corn
Baby corn is essentially young maize and is harvested before it reaches maturity. These mini corns are tender, sweet, and widely used in different cuisines.
Cost of Production per Acre
| Cost of Production | In Rupees |
| Seed Material Cost | 3000 |
| Land Preparation Cost | 3000 |
| Sowing Cost | 2000 |
| Weeding Cost | 2000 |
| Pesticides Cost | 2000 |
| Fertilizer Cost | 4000 |
| Other Cost | 3500 |
| Harvesting and Shelling cost | 3000 |
| Transportation Cost | 2000 |
| Total Cost | 24500 |
**Charges might change according to the place and region.
Yield
The average market price for one quintal of maize is Rs. 2205/Quintal. Around 35 to 40 quintals of yield per acre are harvested in every season. The total return will be around 77,200 to 88,200 rupees.
Maize benefits
Among the healthy grains, It stands out as a unique, versatile cereal grain that is gluten-free. Maize flour is an alternate option for those who are allergic to gluten. Countries like the United States use its multiple resources in their daily diet.
Maize Health–Benefits
Corn is rich in essential nutrients and dietary fibers. It supports heart health, aids digestion, and contributes to eye health. Consuming regularly will reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Heart Health: Corn plays a great role in enhancing heart health and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Maize is good for heart health; this helps to maintain healthy cholesterol and lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems. It contains healthy antioxidants; they play a crucial role in supporting overall heart health. These compounds help fight against free radical change. It lowers heart-related diseases.
- Weight Loss: Maize corn has great significance in losing weight, as it’s rich in dietary fiber. Reducing weight loss through dietary fiber is a known essential component. Fiber adds bulk to the daily diet. It reduces the overall calorie intake, and consuming corn regularly in your diet will improve satiety. This makes it easier to follow a calorie-controlled diet. This is naturally low in fat and calories. Corn is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with essential nutrients without compromising its calorie intake. Maize comes under the category of nutrient-dense foods.
- Age-related macular degeneration: Corn is a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two essential carotenoids that offer eye health. These components reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. This is common among elderly people.
- Protection against Cataracts: Maize contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that help protect the eyes from cataracts. It also promotes long-term eye health.
- Immune system: Corn offers healthy essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which plays a role in supporting the immune system. Millions of people in the world are switching to corn flour instead of wheat flour because it is cheaper and healthier.
- Blood sugar levels: Consuming corn regularly indicates a moderate impact on blood sugar levels. This contributes to its fiber content, which slows down the absorption level of glucose. The glycemic index measures how quickly the blood sugar level rises in the body. Consuming corn falls under the medium GI index range. Because consuming this won’t affect the immediate blood sugar spike in the body. People who are diabetic and want to manage their blood sugar level can include maize in their daily diet
Maize Nutrition
Corn is rich in essential nutrients and dietary fiber; it supports heart health and aids digestion. It contributes to eye health and prevents macular degeneration.
- Saturated fats and cholesterol: It’s low in saturated fats and cholesterol, which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants like ferulic acid and anthocyanins, play a crucial role in supporting heart health. These components help to fight against oxidative stress and reduce the chance of heart failure.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Lutein and zeaxanthin are two essential carotenoids that contribute to eye health.
- Fiber-rich content: Corn is a rich source of dietary fiber, which aids in preventing constipation. It promotes regular bowel movements. It supports overall gut health. The fiber content in corn helps to create fullness in the stomach, which aids in weight management. Consuming corn regularly may contribute to controlling hunger, and it may reduce overall calorie intake.
- Vitamin C: Corn contains vitamin C, which plays an important role in supporting the immune system. A strong immune system is vital for overall health. This will help the body defend against several illnesses.
- Immune-boosting minerals: Maize contains immunity-boosting minerals like zinc and manganese, which further contribute to strengthening the immune system.
- Vitamin B Complex: Maize is a great source of vitamin B complex, which includes thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5). These vitamins and minerals are essential for energy metabolism. It supports overall health and wellness.
- Rich in minerals: It contains healthy minerals, which are good for improving bone health and maintaining nerve function. Some minerals are great for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Maize contains essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
| Maize Grain Nutrition | Percentage |
| Protein | 10% |
| Carbohydrate | 70% |
| Oil | 4% |
| Crude Fiber | 2.3% |
| Albuminoids | 10.4% |
Maize uses and food products
Corn is a great staple food among fruits and vegetables across the globe. Today, manufacturers have started producing different processed foods from corn and its extracts.
Maize products:
From maize, various food products are prepared, like corn oil, corn flour, corn syrup, and popcorn. In different cuisines, baby corn is an essential ingredient.
- Popcorn: Popcorn is made by heating the corn kernels. It’s a good source of fiber; to improve its taste, add some butter or season it with different flavors.
- Corn flour: The corn flour is made from finely ground corn kernels. It’s a gluten-free flour, and it’s a great alternative to wheat flour. Corn flour is used in many recipes to thicken the dishes. Corn flour is a great food option for people who suffer from gluten allergies and celiac diseases.
- Corn syrup: It is used as a sweetener, derived from corn starch. Corn syrup is used to prepare candies for baked goods. Corn syrup plays a crucial role in enhancing sweetness and adding flavor to food products.
- Corn oil: Corn oil is one of the main products extracted from corn extracts. It is mostly used as a cooking oil, and it has a mild flavor with a high smoke point. It’s a great option for baking and frying food items. It is loaded with heart-healthy nutrients such as saturated fats; it’s healthy and nutritious by nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maize or corn, known by different names across the globe, proves its versatile and unique place in the culinary world. Corn is a remarkable crop that plays a great role in agriculture and daily life. It stands as one of the most versatile and essential crops in the world.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common region in India that grows maize?
Ans: Maize cultivation normally occurs in the northern states of India.
2. What are the types of maize and corn?
Ans: Various varieties of corn and maize exist, including sweet corn and popcorn.
3. What is the difference between regular corn and sweet corn?
Ans: Field corn is often called regular corn, and it’s used for animal feed and industrial purposes.
Sweet corn has a higher sugar content, and it gets sweeter and tender when it’s cooked.
