SOWING MAIZE IN SPRING

About:

• The ideal time for sowing maize is from January-end to February 15. But farmers continue to sow it till the end of February or even in early March.
  
  
• Utilizing more area for maize cultivation is always a welcome move in a state like Punjab where maize is seen as an alternative to the water-guzzling paddy crop.
  
  

Why do experts discourage sowing spring maize in the state?

• But growing maize during spring is not always a good choice in Punjab. From March to June, the temperature in the state is very high and the sunshine hours are also long.
  
  
• The temperature starts rising from March from 35 degree centigrade to 45 degree in June. Also, the average sunshine hours remain between 9 to 9.5 hours.
  
  
• Due to high temperature, the water gets evaporated soon and frequent watering of the maize crop is needed in peak summer season. This affects the water table drastically.
  
  
• According to experts, this crop is ‘big no’ without ‘drip irrigation’ for Punjab where the groundwater table is depleting drastically and there is a need for sustainable farming.
  
  

Which crops can be an alternative to spring maize in the state?

• Experts said that summer moong and sunflower crops are the best alternatives.
  
  
• Both the crops are extremely vital in the country as India imports 2.5 million tonnes sunflower oil every year and also 2-3 million tonnes of pulses.