New Black Maize Variety Promises Higher Income for Farmers

Key Highlights

• Black maize cobs sell for Rs 200 each in cities.
• High in iron, copper, and zinc.
• Harvest in 90 to 95 days.
• Jawahar Maize 1014, developed in Chhindwara.
• Up to 26 quintals per acre.
• Tolerant to stem borer disease.
• Sweeter and more nutritious than traditional maize.

Maize farming is becoming a profitable venture for farmers. In addition to traditional white and red varieties, farmers are increasingly interested in white corn and sweet corn. Now, black maize cultivation is gaining popularity for the Zaid season. Black maize cobs are selling for Rs 200 each in metropolitan cities, making it a lucrative option for farmers. Let’s explore how to cultivate black maize, its benefits, and the expected profits.

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How Black Maize Cultivation Can Increase Your Income

Currently, the average price of white and red maize in markets is Rs 2050 per quintal, with a maximum of Rs 2700 per quintal. If farmers plant black maize after harvesting their Rabi crop, they can get yields in 90 to 95 days. This new variety is rich in iron, copper, and zinc, making it effective in fighting malnutrition. Due to its high nutrient content, black maize sells at a higher price than regular maize, fetching up to Rs 200 per cob online. This premium price is due to the limited number of farmers growing this variety.

Which Variety of Black Maize to Plant

Choosing the right seed variety is crucial for successful black maize cultivation. The Agricultural Research Center of Chhindwara has developed a new variety called Jawahar Maize 1014. Agricultural scientists recommend this variety for its nutritional benefits. This variety is bio-fortified and nutritionally rich, making it effective against malnutrition. It’s also well-suited for use in various healthy products.

Expected Yield from Jawahar Maize 1014

This variety is recommended for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. From 8 kg of seeds, a farmer can expect up to 26 quintals per acre. Jawahar Maize 1014 takes 90 to 95 days to mature, with silk appearing in 50 days. It requires hot weather for optimal growth and needs more water when the corn starts developing. The plants should be spaced 60 to 75 cm apart in rows. This variety is resistant to stem borer disease and is ideal for rainfed plateau areas.

Black Maize: Great Taste and High Nutrition

Black maize is gaining popularity due to its taste and nutritional value. Unlike the green leaves of yellow and white maize, black maize leaves are light purple. The cobs are 20 to 25 cm long, and the plants reach heights of 2.5 to 3 meters. Black maize grains are high in starch and take longer to cook. As they mature, the grains turn black, shiny, and attractive. These grains are tastier and sweeter than those of yellow and white maize.

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CMV360 says

Black maize is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it a valuable crop for farmers and consumers alike. While traditional maize varieties are still widely cultivated, the interest in black maize is steadily growing. With its high market value and health benefits, black maize offers a promising opportunity for farmers to increase their income and contribute to better nutrition.