Bharti MAKKA

Abstract

Maize enjoys immense patronage among farmers and markets owing to its ease of cultivation, its flexibility, wide adaptability to fit into different cropping systems and diverse uses. Maize, which is being cultivated by 15 million farmers across India, is seen as a potential crop for doubling of farmers’ income. It is also reported to be source of more than 3500 industrial and food products, which speaks of its scope and potential. Considering its potential, keen interest is evinced by the industry and government alike in harnessing the potential of the maize sector. The average productivity of maize crop in India is around 2.9 t/ha. However, many districts report yield potential up to 12 t/ha. This yield gap is primarily because over 70% of the crop in India is grown under rainfed conditions. Nonetheless, it provides a huge opportunity for realization of its potential. Achieving sustainable 5 t/ha maize yield in Kharif (rainfed) requires all stake holders to step up their efforts. Ease of access to the maize technologies already developed and being developed would greatly facilitate in enhancing the production potential of the crop in every way, viz., production, protection, management and marketing. Hence this Maize Agri-Knowledge Know-how App (MAKKA), which provides seed to seed information about maize is developed to provide up-to-date information to the stake holders. It’s a source of advisory to all the stakeholders involved in maize ecosystem. It is hoped that the MAKKA will find utility among its users and further the cause of maize farmers, traders, industries, researchers and policy makers.