MAIZE - AGRICULTURE

News: India’s maize consumption growth to outpace production


What's in the news?

       The annual consumption of maize in the country was 29.66 mt in 2021, according to a research report released by Yes Bank and FICCI.

       India’s maize production is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.34 percent, lower than the pace of growth in consumption which is pegged at a CAGR of 1.82 percent during 2021-31, according to a report.

 

Maize:

       It is called the Queen of cereals.

       It is the highest yielding among cereals.

       Maize is called as Drosophila of crop plants.

       It is a non-tiller plant.

 

Important takeaways:

       It's a cross pollination crop.

       Male inflorescence is called tassel.

       Female inflorescence is called silk.

 

Climate:

       Optimum temperature for germination 21°C. Optimum temperature for crop growth 32°C.

       Minimum temperature for germination is 6-7°C.

       Short day plant.

       Temperature more than 35°C reduces pollen germination.

       Temperature < 15°C delays silking and tasseling

       It is a water sensitive crop. Continuous water logging for 3 days reduces the yield by 40 to 45%.

 

Area and Production:

Global Production - Top 3 Producers:

  1. USA
  2. China
  3. Brazil

 

Domestic Production:

       India occupies 4th place in area and 7th place in production.

       Top 3 producers in India

1.      Karnataka

2.      MP

3.      Bihar

 

Higher Productivity: Andhra Pradesh