Rabi Maize in Rajasthan

Introduction
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Maize (Zea mays L) is a versatile crop known as the "queen of cereals" due to its wide adaptability to different agro-
climatic conditions. With its high genetic yield potential, maize is cultivated in approximately 160 countries across the
globe, covering nearly 150 million hectares of land. This cereal crop plays a significant role in global grain production,
contributing 36% (782 million tonnes) to the total output. The United States of America (USA) is the largest maize
producer, accounting for around 35% of the world's production.
In India, maize holds the position of the third most important food crop, following rice and wheat. During the Kharif
season, which covers 80% of the area, maize production is estimated to be 22.23 million tonnes. Maize contributes
approximately 9% to the national food basket in India. Apart from being a staple food for humans and feed for animals,
maize serves as a raw material for various industries, including starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, sweeteners,
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, films, textiles, and packaging.
Maize Cultivation in Rajasthan

In the state of Rajasthan, maize cultivation is widespread in districts such as Chittorgarh, Banswara, Bundi, Pratapgarh,
Jhalawar, Ajmer, Tonk, Alwar, and Jaipur. Farmers in these regions have traditionally relied on private companies for
maize seeds. However, agricultural scientists at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research have developed two new
high-yielding varieties of maize specifically for the Rabi and Kharif seasons. This development offers hope to farmers as
they no longer need to depend on private firms for quality seeds.
The new maize varieties, PRHM 1095 for the Kharif season and PRHM 1010 for the Rabi season, have been
indigenously developed and promise higher yields. With the adoption of these varieties, farmers can expect improved
productivity and profitability. The research station at Banswara, under the Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture
and Technology in Udaipur, will distribute these seeds to farmers.
Package of Practices for Rabi Maize

The successful cultivation of Rabi maize depends on following specific package of practices. These practices cover
various aspects, including choice of cultivar, sowing, fertilizer application, plant density and seed rate, weed control,
irrigation schedule, and plant protection.
Choice of Cultivar
The choice of maize hybrid or composite plays a crucial role in the success and profitability of Rabi maize cultivation.
Traditional open-pollinated varieties used for Kharif season may not yield well during Rabi. Farmers are advised to sow
high-yielding hybrids suitable for the Rabi season. The use of F1 hybrid seeds is recommended for achieving optimal
yield. Recommended hybrids have shown 60% to 80% higher grain yield than local varieties, with an average yield of 6
tonnes or more per hectare.
Sowing in Rabi
The timing of sowing is critical for Rabi maize. The most suitable period varies with the location. In Bihar, Uttar
Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, sowing is recommended
between mid-October and mid-November.
Fertilizer Application
The efficiency of nitrogen utilization is higher in Rabi maize due to better water management and lower leaching losses.
It is recommended to apply farmyard manure before sowing, as a combination of organic manure and inorganic
fertilizers has shown better results than using fertilizers alone. The recommended dose of fertilizers is generally
120:60:40 kg/ha of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
Plant Density and Seed Rate

Maintaining the desired plant population density is crucial for achieving high grain yield in Rabi maize. A population of
90,000 plants per hectare at harvest is recommended, with a spacing of 60 cm between rows and 18 cm between
plants. To sow one hectare of land, 20-22 kg of seed is required. Soaking the seeds in warm water before sowing helps
improve plant stand and crop health.
Weed Control
Effective weed control is essential for successful Rabi maize cultivation. Atrazine, applied at a rate of 1 kg/ha before
seedling emergence, can control broad-leaved weeds and most grasses. Additionally, 1 or 2 intercultivations are
sufficient to keep weeds under control.
Irrigation Schedule
Timely and adequate irrigation is crucial for the success of Rabi maize. Generally, four to six irrigations are required
during the Rabi crop season. If six irrigations are provided, they should be applied at specific growth stages, including
two irrigations up to flowering at an interval of 20-25 days, one at the time of flowering, two after flowering, and one
during early grain filling.
Plant Protection
Disease and insect pests can affect Rabi maize crops, albeit to a lesser extent compared to Kharif maize. Common
diseases like turcicum leaf blight, common rust, and post-flowering stalk rots, such as charcoal rot, may occur. To
minimize yield losses, it is advisable to grow resistant varieties. Proper water management and the application of
Dithane M-45 can effectively reduce rust and turcicum leaf blight intensity in susceptible varieties. Major insect pests,
such as Chilo partellus and Sesamia inferens, can be controlled through the application of suitable insecticides.
Conclusion
Rabi maize cultivation in Rajasthan holds promising prospects for farmers, thanks to the development of high-yielding
maize varieties by agricultural scientists. These new varieties offer farmers the opportunity to enhance their
productivity and reduce dependency on private seed companies. By following the recommended package of practices
for Rabi maize cultivation, farmers can optimize their yields and profitability. The cultivation of maize, with its wide
range of uses as food and raw material, contributes significantly to India's agricultural landscape.

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Introduction

Image Source: Unsplash

Maize Cultivation in Rajasthan

Package of Practices for Rabi Maize

Plant Density and Seed Rate

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