The farmers of the District Udham Singh Nagar have been predominantly engaged in the paddy and wheat cultivation activities. They meet their economic needs mainly through the cultivation of summer rice, rice and wheat crops. The farmers of the District felt that the summer rice cultivation is not fruitful in the long term. Therefore, they wanted an alternate crop that can help in providing more income than the summer rice.
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kashipur, explored the market status of the maize crop. The KVK found a huge demand for the maize processing in the district. As per an estimate, the industry requires about 1,200 tonnes / day maize for the processing of maize, preparation of baby food, corn sugar and other industrial production of starches, etc. Hence, keeping the farmers’ welfare and industrial demands of maize crop in mind, several discussions between Stakeholders, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Officer Incharge, KVK, Kashipur, Scientists from GBPUAT, Pantnagar and Industry persons were held regarding the maize production during summer season. The final inferences were drawn for demonstrating the hybrid maize crop on an experimental basis as an alternate crop to the summer rice.
Demonstrations on the hybrid maize DEKALB 9108 plus in collaboration with financial support of ATMA, Udham Singh Nagar were conducted in an area of 20 ha at 36 selected farmers’ field. The Periodic supervision and the departmental officials’ visit also encouraged the farmers for adopting the proper package of practice for the crop.
