Maize, commonly known as “Makka” or corn, is the third most important cereal crop in India after rice and wheat. Its adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions makes it a major food, fodder, and industrial crop in the country. Maize is widely grown across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh during both Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (winter) seasons.
With growing demand for food products, animal feed, ethanol production, and industrial applications, high-yielding and improved maize varieties are crucial for enhancing productivity. Indian research institutions like ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and private seed companies have developed numerous maize hybrids and open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) to suit different regions and purposes.
This article highlights more than 10 top maize varieties in India, including hybrids, OPVs, and specialty maize varieties, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and benefits.
1. HQPM-1 (High-Quality Protein Maize)
HQPM-1 is an improved hybrid maize variety known for its high protein content and nutritional value.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 75–85 quintals/ha
- Regions: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Contains high lysine and tryptophan, enhancing nutritional quality
- Ideal for food and animal feed purposes
- Early maturity: 95–110 days
- Uses: Human consumption, poultry, and livestock feed
2. Pusa HM-4
Pusa HM-4 is a high-yielding hybrid maize variety developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) for Kharif season cultivation.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 80–100 quintals/ha
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- Drought-resistant with good yield in low-rainfall areas
- Large and uniform cobs
- Early maturity: 90–95 days
- Uses: Grain production, animal feed
3. Shaktiman-1
Shaktiman-1 is a popular quality protein maize (QPM) variety developed for better nutritional quality and high yield.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 65–80 quintals/ha
- Regions: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
- Characteristics:
- High lysine and tryptophan content
- Suitable for both Kharif and Rabi cultivation
- Medium maturity: 100–110 days
- Uses: Food, poultry feed, and fodder
4. Vivek Maize Hybrid-9
Vivek Maize Hybrid-9 is a widely cultivated variety known for its high yield and suitability for hill regions.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 75–90 quintals/ha
- Regions: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northeast states
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to pests and diseases
- Early maturing: 85–90 days
- Uses: Grain production, food, and fodder
5. Kanchan
Kanchan is an open-pollinated maize variety (OPV), popular for its adaptability to diverse regions and resource-poor conditions.
- Type: Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV)
- Yield: 55–70 quintals/ha
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Drought-tolerant and suitable for rainfed areas
- Uniform grain size with high quality
- Uses: Grain production and food security
6. HM-10
HM-10 is a high-yielding hybrid maize variety developed for commercial production.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 80–100 quintals/ha
- Regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to major maize diseases like rust and leaf blight
- Medium maturity: 110–120 days
- Uses: Grain and silage production
7. Dekalb 9081
Dekalb 9081 is a hybrid maize seed developed by private seed companies, widely used for commercial cultivation.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 90–110 quintals/ha
- Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- High grain yield and uniform cob development
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Uses: Food, fodder, and industrial uses
8. Pioneer 3369
Pioneer 3369 is a leading hybrid maize variety known for its high grain yield and excellent stress tolerance.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 85–95 quintals/ha
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana
- Characteristics:
- High tolerance to drought and heat stress
- Ideal for Kharif and Rabi seasons
- Uses: Grain, poultry feed, and industrial applications
9. Bio-9637
Bio-9637 is an improved maize hybrid suitable for both grain and fodder purposes, especially in tropical regions.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 80–90 quintals/ha
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Dual-purpose variety (grain and fodder)
- Early maturity: 95–100 days
- Uses: Livestock feed, silage, and human consumption
10. VL Maize Hybrid-47
VL Maize Hybrid-47 is an improved variety developed for hill agriculture with good yield and resistance to diseases.
- Type: Hybrid
- Yield: 60–75 quintals/ha
- Regions: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Northeast India
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for rainfed hill farming
- Resistant to leaf spot and rust
- Uses: Grain, fodder, and silage
FAQs
Q1: Which maize variety is best for nutrition?
A: HQPM-1 and Shaktiman-1 are high-quality protein maize (QPM) varieties rich in lysine and tryptophan, essential for nutrition.
Q2: Which is the most popular hybrid maize variety in India?
A: Pusa HM-4, Dekalb 9081, and Pioneer 3369 are widely cultivated hybrid maize varieties known for their high yields.
Q3: Which maize variety is suitable for hill regions?
A: Vivek Maize Hybrid-9 and VL Maize Hybrid-47 are ideal for hill regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Q4: What is the average yield of hybrid maize varieties in India?
A: Hybrid maize varieties produce an average yield of 80–110 quintals per hectare, depending on climatic conditions and inputs.
Q5: Which maize variety is dual-purpose (grain and fodder)?
A: Bio-9637 and Rasi-303 are dual-purpose varieties suitable for both grain and fodder production.
Conclusion
India’s maize sector has witnessed remarkable progress with the development of high-yielding, drought-resistant, and nutritionally enriched varieties. From hybrid varieties like Pusa HM-4 and Dekalb 9081 to quality protein maize like HQPM-1, farmers have a wide range of options to choose from for food, fodder, and industrial purposes. The adoption of improved maize varieties not only enhances productivity but also contributes to food security and economic growth in the country.
