Maize cultivation is practiced year-round in India, with farmers continuously growing it in various regions where water is available. During the Kharif season, maize farming can be particularly profitable if grown in well-drained soil and suitable climatic conditions. Often referred to as yellow gold, maize can yield farmers an income of ₹100,000 to ₹150,000 per hectare.
Providing Crop-Related Training to Farmers:
Through Agricultural Science Centers, farmers receive training on maize cultivation techniques. In addition to training, farmers are supplied with seeds to plant maize on one acre of land. Necessary insecticides and pesticides are also distributed to protect the maize crop from pests and diseases.
Maximizing Profits from Maize Farming:
Loamy soil is ideal for maize cultivation. After initial irrigation, deep plowing with a soil-turning plow to a depth of 10 cm, followed by 2-3 cultivator plowings, prepares the field well for high yields. In the Kharif season, maize requires approximately 625-630 mm of water per hectare, especially in regions relying on rain-fed irrigation. Farmers in these areas can achieve good yields by cultivating maize on elevated land during the rainy season, making it a popular crop during Kharif.
Why Choose Maize Cultivation in the Kharif Season: Growing maize in the Kharif season helps improve crop rotation and offers better profitability for farmers. The optimal sowing time for maize is from mid-June to mid-July. In hilly and cooler regions, sowing can be done from the end of May to the end of June. Maize is a resilient crop that thrives with minimal rainfall and matures faster than rice, allowing farmers to harvest it quickly and prepare for the next crop. Additionally, maize can be grown alongside other crops like wheat and pulses, enhancing soil fertility and reducing pest and disease outbreaks.
How Much Profit Can Farmers Expect: Farmers can earn between ₹100,000 to ₹150,000 per hectare from maize cultivation, whereas rice cultivation yields a net profit of only ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per hectare. Thus, maize farming in the Kharif season is more profitable. By growing maize, farmers can significantly increase their income and achieve better financial stability.
