New Hybrid Maize Seed Developed for Gujarat Home

A new hybrid seed variety of maize has been developed, which has a potential to more than double the crop production in tribal belts of the state has been developed, according to an official at Anand Agriculture University (AAU).

The new variety -- Gujarat Anand Yellow Hybrid Maize-I (GAYHM)-- is suitable for sowings during kharif season under rain fed conditions in North and central Gujarat - a maize growing beltin the state covering tribal areas.

The variety is rich in Lysine (an essential amino acid) and is touted to be a source of rich protein diet for the tribals, who are its major consumers.

"In a first, a hybrid of yellow colour variety maize has been released, which gives 13 per cent higher yield as compared to High Quality Protein Maize-I (HQPM), a hybrid developed at Hissar in Haryana and recommended for Gujarat," AAU Director Research K B Katheria said.

"The average production of maize with pre-dominantly used varieties is around 1,439 kg per hectare, whereas the new hybrid variety GAYHM-I has the potential of up to 4,000 kg per hectare yield," he said.

The new hybrid seed variety of maize has been approved by the state level research council, official sources said.

Gujarat Maize (GM)-II is a predominantly used seed variety in the state, besides HQPM-I.

"As compared to GM-II, the new hybrid has potential to give 24 per cent higher yield. GAYHM-I is an early maturing variety, say between 80-85 days, compared to any other usual variety which takes 100-120 days," Katheria said.

"Lysine, an essential amino acid required for human body, is available up to 2.85 per cent in protein of this maize, which is higher compared to other variety," he said, adding that it is a good source of protein for the tribals.

Source: Economic Times