Maize, popularly known as makka, contributes around 25% to the world’s grain production and ranks as the third most important cereal in India after rice and wheat. With nearly 11 million hectares under cultivation and an output of over 42 million tonnes annually, maize plays a crucial role in national food and farm economy. As global maize production continues to rise and demand grows, especially for animal feed and industrial use, makka ki kheti is proving to be more than just a food source it's a profitable opportunity for Indian farmers to boost income with smart, seasonal practices.

1. Crop Seasons & Ideal Climate

a) Grows in Multiple Seasons : Maize(makka ki kheti) is not limited to one season it grows well in Kharif (monsoon), and with irrigation, can also be cultivated in Rabi (winter) and Zaida (summer). It’s a great option to replace late-season rice or to make full use of fallow fields.

b) Needs Warm & Dry Weather : This is a summer-loving crop that thrives at temperatures around 25°C. A dry climate during grain ripening improves quality, but frost must be avoided, as it can damage the crop at any stage.

c) Low Rainfall? No Problem : Even without irrigation, maize performs well with just 250–500 mm of rainfall annually, making it ideal for semi-arid regions or areas with limited water access

2. Soil Best Suited

a) Fertile, Loamy Soil Delivers Best Results : Maize grows best in loamy soil that's rich in organic matter and nutrients. This type of soil provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration, helping roots grow stronger and deeper for better yields.

b) Maintain Neutral pH and Good Drainage : Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which supports optimal nutrient uptake. Avoid fields prone to water logging, as stagnant water can damage roots and reduce plant vigor especially in early growth stages.

c) Flexible Crop for Various Soil Types : One of maize’s biggest strengths is its soil adaptability. Whether you have light sandy soil or heavy clay, maize can adjust and still produce well making it a reliable crop for farmers across different regions.

3. Right Time to Sow and Smart Field Preparation

a) Follow the Ideal Sowing Calendar: For maize cultivation, timing your sowing according to the season is essential for maximizing yield and crop health. During the Kharif season, which aligns with the monsoon, it's best to begin sowing between mid-June and early July to take full advantage of natural rainfall. For the Zaida or summer season, sowing should be planned between January and March when temperatures are high. Farmers should opt for long-duration maize varieties if planting early, ensuring the plants mature steadily. However, if planting is delayed, choosing short-duration varieties helps avoid heat stress during the crucial grain-filling and maturation phases

b) Prepare Soil Thoroughly for Better Germination:

Begin by plowing the field once using a soil-turning plow to break hard clods. Follow it with 2–3 cultivator passes for a fine tilth. Level the land with a wooden plank to ensure even seed placement and water flow.

c) Boost Soil Fertility and Pest Protection:

Mix 20–25 tonnes of well-rotted farmyard manure per hectare around 20 days before sowing to improve soil health and moisture retention. During the final plowing, add 25 kg/ha of chlorpyrifos dust to protect emerging seedlings from termites and soil-borne pests.

4. Choosing the Right Seeds & Preparing Them Well

a) Use High-Yield Hybrid Varieties for Better Results:For strong harvests, select reliable hybrids like Vivek Maize Hybrid-27, Ganga-4, Ganga-11, Deccan-103, and VL-42. These varieties are tested for better disease resistance, faster maturity, and higher cob size making them ideal for both summer and monsoon maize.

b) Smart Seed Reuse Strategy:Hybrid seeds can be reused for up to 2–3 seasons, but only if saved properly. Always collect seeds from well-filled cobs in the middle of the field not from edge plants, which may be cross-pollinated or underperforming. This ensures consistent crop quality in the next season.

c) Seed Rate & Protection Matters: For successful maize cultivation(makka ki kheti), using the correct seed quantity and ensuring proper protection are crucial steps. If you're growing maize for grain, aim to sow about 15–20 kilograms of seed per hectare. For fodder purposes, a higher seed rate of 40–50 kilograms per hectare is ideal to support denser growth. Before planting, it's important to protect the seeds by treating them with 2 grams of Thiram or Bavistin per kilogram of seed. This fungicide treatment helps safeguard young plants from early fungal infections that can affect germination. Always sow the seeds at a depth of 3 to 5 centimeters in straight rows to promote even spacing and uniform growth across the field.

5. Effective Spacing & Weed Management in Makka Ki Kheti

a) Maintain Ideal Plant Spacing:

To ensure proper growth and airflow, space maize rows about 45 to 60 cm apart and individual plants 25 cm apart. This setup supports a plant population of 25,000 to 30,000 plants per acre, maximizing both sunlight exposure and nutrient availability for each plant.

b) Early & Smart Weed Control:

Begin weeding within the first few weeks of planting, as early competition from weeds can drastically reduce yield. Apply selective herbicides like Atrazine or Mesotrione at recommended doses. These not only control weeds but also preserve the soil’s fertility and moisture levels.

c) Careful Manual Weeding & Mulching:

During hand weeding, take care not to damage the maize’s shallow roots. After weeding, apply a layer of organic mulch (such as straw or dry leaves) around the plant base. This helps suppress new weed growth, keeps soil cool, and conserves moisture especially useful during hot, dry periods

6. Irrigation & Intercropping Tips

Crop-Specific Watering Schedule:

a) Kharif maize usually relies on monsoon rains and often needs no extra watering.

b) Summer (Zaida) maize, however, benefits from regular irrigation typically every 10–15 days, totaling about 8–10 waterings per season for optimal growth.

Boost Profit with Intercropping:
Planting maize alongside short-duration legumes like green gram (moong) or black gram (urad) not only improves soil fertility (through nitrogen fixation) but also adds an extra income stream from intercropped yields without compromising maize productivity.

7. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Tips

Know When to Harvest:

Grain maize is ready when the husk and sheath feel dry and the plant stalk shows signs of bending.
Dry Before Sheltering:

After harvest, lay the cobs in sunlight to dry properly. This makes shelling easier and prevents spoilage.
Harvest Stages Matter:

i. For fodder: harvest during the milk stage when protein content is highest.

ii. For grain: wait until the milky-dough stage to ensure high-quality grain and best market value.

8. Why Summer Maize Farming Pays Off

In Uttar Pradesh, maize cultivation is booming due to low water requirements, government support, and profitability. Some farmers are earning up to ₹2.5 lakh per hectare, achieving yields of 100 quintals/ha using improved farming methods.

In drought-affected regions like Gadchiroli, maize has replaced paddy as the preferred crop thanks to its resilience and good market rates (₹2,200 per quintal).

Final Thoughts

By combining the right seed variety, strategic timing, ideal land choice, efficient irrigation, soil fertility practices, and careful pest and harvest management summer maize farming (Makka Ki Kheti) becomes a high-yield, high-income crop. As India moves to cover growing global demand, adopting modern, climate-smart methods can secure both food and financial stability for farmers across the country.

Top FAQs on Summer Maize Farming

1. Can maize be grown in multiple seasons?

Ans : Yes. While it typically thrives in the Kharif (monsoon) season, maize can also be profitably cultivated during Rabi (winter) and Zaida (summer) seasons with irrigation support ideal for replacing late rice or using idle fields.

2. What soil type suits maize the best?

Ans : Loamy, well-drained soils rich in organic matter are ideal. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0–7.0, and stay clear of waterlogged areas. Fortunately, maize adapts well to a wide range of soils, from sandy to heavy clay.

3. How should I space seeds and manage weeds?

Ans : Maintain 45–60 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants for a balanced plant density. Begin weeding early, using herbicides like Atrazine or Mesotrione if needed. After hand weeding, apply mulch to preserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Why is summer maize farming such a profitable venture?

Ans : With smart practices like using irrigated land, modern hybrids, and efficient water use maize yields can reach 100 quintals per hectare, earning farmers up to ₹2.5 lakh/ha in states like Uttar Pradesh. In drought-prone areas like Gadchiroli, maize has proven to be a lucrative and resilient alternative to paddy

Makka Ki Kheti Made Profitable Summer Sowing Bigger Harvests