MAIZE IMPORTANCE

Botanical name : Zea mays

Maize is one of the important foods, green forage and industrial crops of the world. It is called ‘QUEEN OF THE CEREALS’. Maize has highest yield/ha among the cereal crops. It is now grown in all countries except Antarctica and under a more varied range of climates than any other cereal crops. The National Commission on Agriculture observed that maize can substantially contribute to the additional total food grain production by increasing its present contribution from 6-7% to 10%. Though it is mainly used as a food crop in India by the rural population in the form of bread and gruel, it has vast industrial potentialities as well having many as 50 different uses. Ex: it can be put to the manufacture of starch, syrup, alcohol, acetic acid, lactic acid, glucose, paper, rayon, plastic, textiles, adhesives, dyes, synthetic rubber, resin, artificial leather, boot polish etc., Corn oil is 4%

USES

Green ears find a ready market in the urban areas. The grain is ground into flour for making bread. Maize is being used as a poultry and cattle feed. Stover, whether green or dry is fed to the cattle.

QUALITY

Grain contains:

Protein- 10%

Oil – 4%

Carbohydrates – 70%

Fat – 5 to 7%

Fiber – 3 to 5%