Maize ranks as 3rd most important food grain crop of India with 21.3 MT production. Its area has slowly expanded over the past few years from 6.3 m ha (2002) to 8.26 m ha (2011). The demand for Maize will continue to increase in view of booming live stock and poultry sectors in the country. India became exporter of Maize grain since 2007-08. Farmers prefer short duration hybrids under rain fed and long duration under irrigated system.
In Andhra Pradesh Maize is grown over an area 8.0 lak ha predominantly with hybrids. In recent years this crop found a new niche in rice follows of coastal Andhra Pradesh under zero tillage. The productivity of Maize in rice follows is comparable to the best yields obtained anywhere in the world of the order 12-14 MT/ha. Since, NRI Agritech is located close to Rice fallow niche we can study the requirement and reorient our research priorities.
NRI Agritech Pvt, Ltd., collected large germplasm with a view to broaden the genetic bases of source material in long term vision. Making single cross combinations to develop ideal hybrids suitable for specific locations with resistance to leaf blight and rust diseases. NRI Agritech developed Maize hybrids which are either superior or on par with the hybrid promoted by the MNC’s in Yield, quality and coupled with resistance to diseases.
Maize Hybrid | NRI MH 2 | Siva |
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Maize Hybrid | NRI MH 4 | Rajeswari |
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YEAR | Projected Market Volume | Marketing value in (Rs. Crores) |
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2015-16 | 200 | 3.00 |
2016-17 | 250 | 3.75 |
2017-18 | 300 | 4.50 |
2018-19 | 300 | 4.50 |
2019-20 | 350 | 5.25 |