External publications

Adoption of modern maize varieties in India: insights based on expert elicitation methodology

Pavithra, S. / Christian Boeber / Showkat Ahmad Shah / S. P. Subash / P. S. Birthal / Surabhi Mittal
External Publications (2018)

in: Agricultural Research 7, 391-401

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40003-018-0330-x
Information

Adoption of modern varieties of maize, characterised by higher genetic potential, is desirable from the viewpoint of increasing the maize yield level. At present, there is no well-structured and organised system for documenting the popular crop varieties and their area coverage in India. The present study attempts to fill such knowledge gaps by documenting the major maize varieties and estimating the adoption rates under the same, using the expert elicitation methodology. The study finds that maize cultivation in the traditional growing states and tribal belts is mainly dominated by the cultivation of local varieties and composites with a low seed replacement rate, especially during kharif season. Most widely cultivated maize varieties in India were P-3501, NK-6240, P-3396 and N-K30. Among the public sector varieties JM-216, JVM-421, African Tall, Narmada Moti and GM-6 were widely cultivated. The private sector maize varieties are dominating in those states where maize is mainly cultivated for commercial purpose such as feed and other industries. General resistance to diseases, lodging tolerance, grain colour, high shelling recovery and good storage life are some of the preferred attributes of the popular varieties. Several promising varieties from the public sector have not reached the farmers’ fields due to non-availability of seed. On the other hand, private sector maize hybrids have successfully diffused to farmers’ fields owning to strong marketing initiatives. Public sector varieties need to be brought under an efficient seed production system along with an effective transfer of hybrid maize cultivation technology to boost the maize yield levels and production in India.