ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research organized State Level Maize Day in Haryana

22nd September 2022, Ambala

For creating awareness on the potential of maize for crop diversification in the Haryana under “Participatory innovation platform on potential yield realization of maize based cropping system in Punjab and Haryana”, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana and CIMMYT organized State Level Maize Day today at Chhattan Village, Shahzadpur Block, Ambala in association with ICAR- Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal; Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana State Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Haryana.

Haryana with highest production of broilers has demand of over 30 lakh tonnes maize grains annually but produces only 20 thousand tonnes. Low yield realization in farmer’s fields and lower market price compared to rice are the stumbling blocks to popularize maize. The platform, has demonstrated up to 30 q/acre maize yield possible with adoption of good production practices. Main purpose of the event was to create awareness among the farmers and policy makers on the potential of maize in crop diversification in the state. Practicing farmers shared their experiences with the farmers and the event created much enthusiasm among the over 600 farmers attended the event.

Chief Guest of the function, Shri JP Dalal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of Haryana underlined the initiatives taken by the Government of Haryana towards crop diversification, under which a subsidy of Rs. 7000 per acre is being given for growing maize. However, still maize is not gaining popularity, while the government is keen to encourage maize as an alternative to rice. He highlighted the potential of silage maize in the state and assured all support to promote the technology.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. P.K. Singh, Commissioner Agriculture, Govt. of India admired the efforts being made by the ICAR-IIMR and its partners not only in bringing out maize technologies but demonstrate before the farmers its potential. He expressed his hope that with such efforts more farmers will be encouraged to grow maize and a maize-based sustainable ecosystem will be built in the region. He assured that Central government will support to it's capacity viable schemes to promote maize in the state.

Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana added that in addition to water saving and incorporation of the crop residue at ease with reduced crop duration compared to rice maize enables early wheat or other rabi crop plantation enabling skipping of terminal heat stress. He urged to promote maize-mustard-mung bean cropping system to protect environment and ensure crop diversification, along with increased oil and pulse production.

Dr. PC Sharma, Director, ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal stressed upon that outscaling of best management practices in maize is key to harness the full potential of maize in crop diversification.

Dr Mahesh Gathala, CIMMYT, Dr. Jeet Ram Sharma, Director Research, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, Dr. Sain Dass, former Director Maize, ICAR also addressed the gathering and highlighted the potential of maize to diversify the rice-based cropping system in the state, which needs strong policy support.

Stalls of different institutes, ICAR-IIMR, CIMMYTand private enterprises showcased their maize technologies, machinery and products to the guests and visitors.

More than 600 farmers attended the program and also 15 progressive farmers including women farmers were honoured by the Chief guest.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana)