Indian Yellow Maize (Makka) A Grade - 60 kg
Where is Maize Grown in India?
India is one of the top producers of maize globally. It is cultivated across diverse climatic conditions, making it suitable for several regions throughout the country. Maize is grown during both kharif (monsoon) and rabi (winter) seasons, with the kharif season contributing the bulk of the production due to favourable rainfall.
Maize is produced in the Indian states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Types of Maize and Their Properties
Maize is classified into different types based on kernel characteristics, moisture content, and end-use:
Dent Corn (Field Corn)
Kernel:- Indented or “dented” at the crown
Moisture Content:- Typically 15–20% at harvest
Uses:- Animal feed, ethanol, industrial products
Starch Content:- High
Flint Corn:
Kernel:- Hard outer layer with rounded shape
Moisture Content:- Lower than dent corn; more tolerant to humidity
Uses:- Human consumption, cornmeal, traditional foods
Properties:- More pest- and moisture-resistant
Sweet Corn:
Kernel:- Tender and sugary
Moisture Content:- High moisture when harvested early
Uses:- Consumed as a vegetable—boiled, steamed, or canned
Properties:- High sugar content, short shelf life
Pop Corn:
Kernel:- Very hard outer shell with a starchy core
Moisture Content:- Ideal around 13–14% for popping
Uses:- Snack food
Properties:- Expands when heated
Waxy Corn:
Kernel:- Waxy appearance due to high amylopectin content
Moisture Content:- Similar to dent corn
Uses:- Adhesives, thickening agents in food and industry
Properties:- Excellent gelatinization properties
Uses of Maize
Maize is an incredibly versatile crop with a wide range of uses:
Food Consumption:
As whole kernels (boiled, roasted)
Ground into flour for making rotis, tortillas, and cornbread
Used in breakfast cereals, popcorn, and snacks
Animal Feed:
A significant portion of maize is used as feed for poultry, cattle, and pigs, due to its high energy content.
Industrial Uses:
Maize starch is widely used in the textile, paper, and pharmaceutical industries.
Corn syrup, derived from maize, is used as a sweetener in beverages and processed foods.
Ethanol from maize is a key biofuel used in blending with petrol.
Maize and its by-products are essential raw materials for several industries, including:
Food Processing Industry
Beverage Industry
Animal Husbandry and Feed Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
Textile and Paper Industries
Biofuel and Chemical Industries
Maize – A Strategic Raw Material for Indian Industries
Maize is more than just a cereal crop; it is a multi-purpose agricultural commodity that supports food security, fuels industries, and contributes significantly to the Indian economy. With its adaptability, nutritional value, and industrial importance, maize continues to be a cornerstone of India’s agricultural and industrial development. The expansion of agro-processing units, ethanol production, and export potential further enhances its economic value in the coming years.
