Maize, commonly known as 'corn', is widely used in various forms across households today. Products like sweet corn, baby corn, and popcorn are in high demand. Particularly during the Zaid season, maize farming has proven to be an excellent profitable option for farmers. Compared to Kharif and Rabi, maize cultivation in Zaid offers quicker returns, leading to a rapid increase in its acreage. Although the area under Zaid maize cultivation is smaller than that of Kharif and Rabi maize, it still provides good profits for farmers. The farming duration of Zaid maize ranges from 55 to 70 days, allowing farmers to reap quicker benefits.
Baby corn, also known as infant corn, is harvested from immature cobs, typically within 1 to 3 days after silk emergence. The major advantage of baby corn farming is its high demand in the market, ensuring farmers receive good prices. With baby corn cultivation, farmers can earn a net profit of ₹40,000 to ₹45,000 per acre.
Baby corn can be sown between February and November. In Uttar Pradesh, the primary varieties of baby corn are I.M.H.B 1539, Central Maize, V.L. Baby Corn 2, H.M. 4, and G 5414. These varieties can make baby corn farming even more profitable.
For baby corn cultivation, the plant density should be 40,000 plants per acre, requiring 10 kilograms of seeds. The expected yield is 6 to 7 quintals per acre, with a market price ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 per quintal. Thus, farmers can make a profit of ₹40,000 to ₹45,000 per acre.
Sweet corn, also known as American corn, is particularly popular in urban areas. It is harvested while still immature, 18 to 22 days after pollination. In tourist districts and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh, sweet corn farming has shown to be highly profitable.
The major varieties of sweet corn include Mishti, High Brix 39, High Brix 53, Candy, Central Maize, V.L. Sweet Corn 1, and N 75. Sowing should be completed by mid-February, with a seed quantity of 10 kilograms per acre, yielding about 20,000 cobs per acre.
Sweet corn is ready for harvest in 50 to 60 days, and the expected yield can range from ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 per acre. Due to its increasing market price, sweet corn can be a great income source for farmers.
After the potato and mustard crops, Zaid maize can be sown during the spring season. It can also be grown using zero tillage methods, especially after the potato harvest, without plowing the field.
The ideal sowing period for spring maize is between January 20 and February 20, as it helps save water and maximize profits. However, sowing can extend until March 20.
In Uttar Pradesh, the key varieties of Zaid maize include PMH 10, PMH 8, PMH 7, and DKC 9108. The maize crop matures between the last week of May and the first week of June, with an average yield of 20 to 25 quintals per acre, providing farmers with good profits.
Essential Tips for Maize Farming:
Zaid maize farming offers an excellent opportunity for farmers to earn substantial profits in a short time. Whether it's baby corn, sweet corn, or grain maize, the growing market demand makes them lucrative crops. By selecting the right variety and sowing at the right time, farmers can achieve bumper profits from Zaid maize cultivation.
