Maize in India: Production Systems, Constraints - AgEcon Search

CIMMYT® (www.cimmyt.org) is an inter nationally funded, not-for-profit organization that
conducts research and training related to maize and wheat throughout the developing world.
Drawing on strong science and effective partnerships, CIMMYT works to create, share, and use
knowledge and technology to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability
of farming systems, and sustain natural resources. Financial support for CIMMYT’s work comes
from many sources, including the members of the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org), national gover nments, foundations,
development banks, and other public and private agencies.
© International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) 2005. All rights reserved.
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expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CIMMYT or its contributory or ganizations
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Correct citation: Joshi, P.K., N.P. Singh, N.N. Singh, R.V. Gerpacio, and P.L. Pingali. 2005.
Maize in India: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities. Mexico, D.F.: CIMMYT.
Abstract: Maize is a promising substitute crop allowing diversification from the rice-wheat
system in the upland areas of India. The crop has high production potential, pr ovided the
available improved hybrids and composites reach the farming community. This study found
that major biotic production constraints were Echinocloa, Cynodon dactylon, rats, and
termites, which reduced maize production levels by more than 50%. Other important abiotic
and biotic stresses listed in descending order of importance were: caterpillars, water stress,
stem borers, weevils, zinc deficiency, rust, seed/seedling blight, cutworm, and leaf blight.
Non-availability of improved seeds, inadequate input markets, inef fective technology
dissemination, and lack of collective action were the principal socio-economic constraints.
ISBN: 970-648-117-6
AGROVOC descriptors: Maize; Hybrids; Agricultural economics and policies; Socioeconomic
environment; Seed production; Food crops; Diversification; Soil resources; Water resources;
Farming systems; Environmental conditions; Agricultural research; India.
AGRIS category codes:
E10 Agricultural Economics and Policies
F01 Crop Husbandry
Dewey decimal classification: 633.1554
Printed in Mexico.