What is Maize grain? A Complete Guide on Versatile Products of Pakistan

Maize Grain

Overview

Cereals are Latin names and part of the grass family plant, which is cultivated for grain, and corn is one of them. Maize grain is full of energy and most prominent source of energy for both human food and dairy animals. It is important to feed ingredients all over the world so, the use of corn is an important tool to manage profitability.  If we consider feed of dairy animals, then we will say that all grains are given to animals like whole grain, ground grain, whole plant is harvested for maize silage (corn, barley. Sorghum).

Why Maize Grain Matters for Humans, Animals, and Industry

In addition, some cereal crop is used as feed (Fiber). Maize grain is the base of the human diet. As per study, 40% of maize grain is produced for human needs, and the rest is for animal feed(protein).  Maize grain is a popular crop for people and provides essential raw material for animal feed, different industrial items, and biofuel. You will see that it is grown in every region of the world. It is a part of small, medium or commercial level operations. In this post, we’ll explore what maize grain is, how it grows, and why it is important for people involved in farming, agricultural, or export fields.

Use of whole corn kernel

  1. Fresh Corn Kernel Salad
  2. White Potatoes with Poblano Strips and Corn Kernels. …
  3. Corn Fritters
  4. Sweet Corn Bread
  5. Open Chicken, Ham, and Corn Pie
  6. Corn and Edamame Fritters
  7. No-Mixer Sweet Corn Bread
  8. Rajas with Cream, Corn, and Mushrooms

Types of Maize

It is used for food in different forms like,

  1. Flour corn
  2. Popcorn
  3. Dent corn
  4. Flint corn
  5. Sweet corn
  6. Waxy corn
  7. Amylomaize
  8. Pod corn
  9. Striped maize

Essential Guidelines for Successful Maize Planting

In the whole cycle, planting is important because it directly affects the final yield, growth, and the crop’s health. Successful planting starts following factors are considered. Let’s read with us about maize which is warm season crop as it grows in the extreme hot summer season. It requires an ideal environment to grow. Maize is an important crop in different regions of the world. Maize grain is well-drained loan to clay soil that has organic matter. Farmers need to adopt some techniques for preparing land before planting. As a result, they will get productive and healthy yields with profits.  If you are a farmer, exporter, or buyer. then you should consider some factors. Maize is planted in favourable weather.

1- Soil Type and Quality:

Soil is the base of successful maize grain cultivation. The initial phase is soil type that affect productivity and crop’s health. Different maize varieties are used in different soil type. Here, you should test the soil to get the value of organic matter, nutrient levels, and pH.

  • Topography of the land: You need to assess topography to find out potential opportunities and challenges. Maize is sensitive to areas that stay waterlogged. You need to prepare land, and contouring is important to handle this issue.
  • Climatic conditions: Maize crop is sensitive to sunlight, drought, and temperature. You need to measure length of the growing season and calculate average temperature. It will manage your planning schedule. Maize grain grows in summer with proper irrigation techniques like it is used to prepare land strategically.
  • Water availability: You need to provide natural water resources for your land. Implementing efficient water system can result in quick growth.
  • Analysis or soil testing: Fertilizer expense is a huge expense and critical for the growth of crop. Maize grain depends on yield potential, which is matter of conjecture.

2- Selection of High-Quality Seeds

High-quality maize seed is preferred as it provides resistance against diseases, pests, and changes in weather conditions. High-quality seeds create uniform distance and produce healthy crop.

  • Ideal Planting Time: Maize is planted in start of summer season as per suitable temperature. It has critical stages, like planting in extreme hot or extreme cold seasons are not good; you need to check the exact climate status.
  • Proper Seed Sowing: In the past, farmers manually fill the rows. It is good to maintain spacing in rows. In case of crowding, the plant will not be able to reach the sunlight. Seeds must be 3-5 cm deep in the soil and row spacing is 60-75 cm.
  • Fertilizer Application: It requires balanced fertilization of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Nutritional Value of Maize Grain

  • Carbohydrates (60–70%)
  • Proteins (7–10%)
  • Fats (3–5%)
  • Fiber

Vitamins and Minerals