Maize
Context:
The issue of U.S. demand for India to import corn has resurfaced in the context of ongoing trade disagreements between India and the United States.
USA want India, despite having 1.4 billion people, does not import even a “bushel” of U.S. corn on the other side India’s maize yield is lower than the world average but domestic production has been nearly self-sufficient, sometimes even surplus.
UPSC Relevance:
Major Crops
UPSC Prelims PYQ 2022
Consider the following States:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
- Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
(a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States
About Maize:
- Maize (Zea Mays) originates in the Andean region of Central America. It is one of the most important cereals both for human and animal consumption and is grown for grain and forage.
- The crop is grown in climates ranging from temperate to tropic during the period when mean daily temperatures are above 15°C and frost-free.
- For maximum production a medium maturity grain crop requires between 500 and 800 mm of water depending on climate.
India is the 5th Largest producer (Source: FAO) and 14th Largest exporter of Maize in the world.
Areas of Cultivation in India:
Major Maize-growing states in India are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
