Forage maize, commonly known as chare wali makki in South Asia, is an excellent source of fodder for livestock. As a high-yielding crop, it provides essential nutrition for dairy animals, buffaloes, and other grazing animals. However, choosing the right variety of forage maize can significantly impact the quality and quantity of fodder produced. Hence, it is essential to select a suitable variety for optimal yield and quality.
Here are some of the popular and suitable varieties of forage maize, commonly grown in South Asia:
1. Pioneer 30G19 – It is a widely used hybrid maize variety for silage production. Pioneer 30G19 has excellent drought tolerance, high yield potential, and superior quality, making it suitable for areas with low rainfall and high temperatures.
2. Ganga Kaveri – Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Ganga Kaveri is a popular maize variety in India known for its high-yielding potential, resistance to pests and diseases, and good winter season adaptation.
3. Dekalb 9201 – This hybrid variety is well-suited for both irrigation and rainfed conditions. It has good resistance against common fungal diseases like rust and leaf blight and produces high-quality silage.
4. Katumani – This variety is developed by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). It has a high yield potential and good tolerance to pests and diseases. Katumani is best suited for areas with adequate rainfall and good soil fertility.
5. Arun 2 – It is a popular maize variety in Nepal, known for its excellent yield potential, early maturity, and resistance to common pests and diseases. Arun 2 is suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions.
6. DKC 9090 – It is a popular hybrid maize variety in Pakistan suitable for silage making. DKC 9090 has a high yield potential, good drought resistance, and tolerance to pests and diseases.
In conclusion, selecting the right variety of forage maize is crucial for achieving optimal fodder yield and quality. Farmers should consider factors such as climate, soil fertility, and local pests and diseases when deciding which variety to grow. These above-mentioned varieties are widely grown and have been proven to provide exceptional yields with good quality.