Focussed Research on Hybrids to Increase Productivity of Corn
As per data available with Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) for 2009 (latest available), India ranks 4th in area under corn (maize) cultivation after USA, China and Brazil. However, yield of corn in India lags behind that in other major corn producing countries in the world.
In order to increase yield of corn, a platform for focused research on single cross hybrids has been initiated by ICAR. Research has also been planned and initiated for development of stress tolerant maize which can perform better under rainfed conditions. The research on development of transgenic maize and improvement of maize for micro-nutrient content through conventional and molecular breeding has also been planned
This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
MP:SB:CP: corn (16.12.2011)