Maize (corn), known as makka in Hindi, is one of the most important cereal crops in India after rice and wheat. It is cultivated across various agro-climatic zones and is grown in all three seasons—Kharif, Rabi, and Summer—with Kharif being the major season, contributing over 80% of the total production. With proper agronomic practices like timely sowing, use of hybrid seeds, balanced fertilization, and effective pest and weed management, maize offers high yields and excellent returns. The crop is used for food, fodder, industrial products, and poultry feed, making it a versatile and high-demand commodity in Indian agriculture.

Ideal Soil for Cultivation

The crop grows best in deep, fertile soils with medium texture. Avoid sowing in saline or alkaline soils, as they negatively impact growth and yield.

Sowing Time

• Kharif Season: Up to 15th July (before monsoon onset)
• Rabi Season: From 15th October to 15th November
• Summer Season: From 15th January to 15th February

Seed Rate

Use 8–10 kg of quality seed per acre for optimum plant population and yield.

Sowing Method

Ridge and furrow (raised bed) sowing is more effective than flat sowing, as it ensures faster and healthier germination.

• Prepare ridges in the East–West direction, and sow seeds on the southern face of the ridge at a depth of 5–6 cm.
• For flat sowing, maintain a depth of 3–4 cm.
• Keep 75 cm spacing between rows and 20 cm between plants.
• After 15–20 days of sowing, thin out excess plants to maintain proper spacing.

Fertilizer & Manure Application

Apply 3–4 tons of well-rotted FYM per acre at least 15–20 days before sowing.

Recommended Fertilizer Doses (per acre):

Season	Urea (kg)	DAP (kg)	MOP (kg)	Zinc Sulphate (kg)
Kharif	40	40	10	10
Rabi/Summer	120	50	145	50

• Apply the full dose of DAP, Potash (MOP), Zinc Sulphate, and one-third of the Urea at sowing.
• Apply the second one-third dose of Urea when plants reach knee height.
• Apply the remaining one-third dose before panicle initiation (flag leaf stage).

Weed Control

Type of Weed	Herbicide Name	Dose	Water Volume	Time of Application
Broadleaf Weeds	Atrazine 50% WP	400 gm	200 liters	Immediately after sowing
Broad + Narrow Leaves	Tembotrione 34.4% SC (Laudis)	115 ml	200 liters	15 days after sowing

Perform 1–2 hand weedings as needed.

Irrigation Schedule

Irrigate the field during flowering and grain filling stages for better yield. In the rainy season, ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Major Pests and Diseases

Problem	Treatment Product	Quantity	Water Volume	Application Timing
Stem Borer	Ekalux (Quinalphos) or Cypermethrin	500 ml or 100 ml	200 liters	15 days after sowing
Leaf Blight & Spot	Mancozeb (Indofil M-45)	600 gm	200 liters	At knee-height growth stage
Stem Rot