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Maize research and development in Karnataka

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 Maize in Karnataka

Chapter - 14

Maize Research and Development in Karnataka

Mruthunjaya C. Wali1*, Hulihalli UK1, Harlapur SI1, Kachapur RM1, Talekar SC1,
Puttaramanaik2, Shobha D2 and Mallikarjun N2
All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project, University of Agricultural Sciences,
1

Dharwad-580 005, 2AICRP, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru-560 065

Corresponding Author’s Email: ars_arabhavi@rediffmail.com

Karnataka is India’s eighth largest state in the vagaries of monsoon with severe agro-
geographical area covering 1.92 lakh sq km climatic and resource constraints.
and accounting for 6.3% of the geographical Table 1. Land use pattern in Karnataka.
area of the country. As per the population Area (Lakh ha)
Land Use
Census 2011, agriculture supports 13.74 1967- 1977- 1987- 1997- 2010-
Pattern
million workers, of which 23.61 per cent are 68 78 88 98 11
cultivators and 25.67% agricultural workers. Non-Agri. 9 1036 12 13 14
A total of 123,100 km² of land is cultivated in purpose
Karnataka constituting 64.6% of the total Permanent 1676 14 11 10 9
geographical area of the state (Table 1). Of pasture
the total cultivated area in the state, about Current 11 13 11 14 13
33.0% is covered by cereals, 42% by pulses fallows
and 19% by oilseeds and 6.0% by Net Sown 101 9940 106 104 104
commercial crops (Savitha and Kunnal, area
2015). Agriculture employs more than 60% Gross
of Karnataka’s workforce. The large portion Irrigated 13 17 24 30 41
of agricultural land in the state is exposed to area
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most tonnes production having average
important cereal in India after wheat and productivity of 2830 kg ha-1. Maize is grown
rice. Currently in Karnataka State it is on very wide range of soils and climatic
cultivated over 11.87 lakh ha with 32.23 lakh conditions in Karnataka (Table 2).
Table 2. Soil types and pattern in different districts of Karnataka.
Soil Type Soil Characteristics Districts
Black Soil In texture, soil varies from loam to clays. Generally they Districts are Belgaum,
Properties are neutral to alkaline in reaction, calcareous and well Bijapur, Gulbarga and
supplied with bases such as Ca, Mg, K. Black soils are Bidar; also parts of
known to get self ploughed due to their swelling and Raichur, Chitradurga
shrinking properties with changes in moisture content. and Bellary
Laterite soil Laterite soils result from advanced stages of weathering; Malnad and coastal
highly leached, they are poor in bases and very acidic in areas of UK, DK and
reaction. The moisture retentivity of the soil is very poor; parts of Dharwad,
soil contains adequate quantities of organic matter. Chikmagalur, Hassan
Red and red They are light textured, from sandy to gravelled or loamy, Shimoga,

206
 Maize in Karnataka

Soil Type Soil Characteristics Districts

loamy soil with poor aggregating ability. They are poor in bases and Chikmagalur, Hassan,
acidic to neutral in reaction. Mysore and Kodagu
Coastal The surface soil is generally grey, yellow or light brown; Dakshin Kannada, and
alluvial the intensity of the colour increases with depth. The soils Uttar
are acidic in nature, low in cation exchange capacity and Kannada
bases.
Dark brown They are clayey, low in bases, rich in organic matter as the Dakshin Kannada,
clayey soil surface soil receives the decomposition product of the Uttar Kannada,
virgin forest Kodagu & Mysore
Mixed red Black soil seen in the low lands and valleys has properties Belgaum, Bijapur,
and black soil resembling those of medium black soil. Soils are Dharwad, Raichur,
productive under good management practices Bellary
The trend in area production productivity Year Area Production Yield
of maize during 1960-2016 (lakh (lakh t) (kg/ha)
Karnataka stands first in terms of area and ha)
3rd in terms of production in India (Yadav et 1978-79 1.51 4.29 2840
al., 2016). Since 1950, the area and 1979-80 1.15 3.70 3217
production of maize in the state is increasing 1980-81 1.57 3.81 2430
continuously (Table 3 and Fig. 1). 1981-82 1.58 4.19 2650
Table 3. Decadal seasonal trends in APY of 1982-83 1.56 3.57 2290
maize in the state from 1960 to 2016. 1983-84 1.66 4.66 2810
Year Area Production Yield 1984-85 1.88 4.77 2540
(lakh (lakh t) (kg/ha) 1985-86 1.67 3.98 2380
ha) 1986-87 2.27 5.76 2540
1960-61 0.11 0.12 1090 1987-88 2.05 5.10 2490
1961-62 0.13 0.13 1000 1988-89 2.55 6.77 2660
1962-63 0.14 0.10 710 1989-90 2.53 7.09 2800
1963-64 0.14 0.11 790 1990-91 2.46 6.17 2510
1964-65 0.17 0.13 760 1991-92 2.80 8.46 3020
1965-66 0.18 0.10 560 1992-93 3.10 10.21 3290
1966-67 0.24 0.16 670 1993-94 3.10 9.50 3070
1967-68 0.37 0.47 1270 1994-95 3.50 10.40 2970
1968-69 0.51 1.04 2040 1995-96 3.31 12.01 3630
1969-70 0.57 1.69 2960 1996-97 4.46 13.85 3110
1970-71 0.63 2.17 3440 1997-98 5.61 15.11 2690
1971-72 0.74 2.43 3280 1998-99 5.12 16.71 3260
1972-73 0.75 2.20 2930 1999-00 6.09 16.88 2770
1973-74 0.87 3.24 3720 2000-01 6.69 21.12 3160
1974-75 0.94 2.51 2670 2001-02 5.80 26.09 4500
1975-76 1.27 3.78 2980 2002-03 6.50 21.29 3280
1976-77 1.26 3.36 2670 2003-04 6.20 12.71 2060
1977-78 1.39 4.13 2970 2004-05 8.50 25.12 3110

207
 Maize in Karnataka

Year Area Production Yield change of 4.7 per cent in maize yield. The
(lakh (lakh t) (kg/ha) factors credited for the development of
ha) maize production in Karnataka is attributed
2005-06 9.36 58.07 3160 to high demand from the feed industry,
2006-07 9.61 27.19 2980 introduction of high yield hybrid seeds,
2007-08 11.73 35.79 3050 assured market price.
2008-09 10.69 30.29 2833 Area ('000ha)
Production('000tn)
2009-10 12.00 31.76 2647
Productivity (Kg/ha)
2010-11 12.87 44.44 3633 60000 5000
2011-12 13.49 40.85 3028 50000 4000
2012-13 13.22 34.75 2629 40000
3000
2013-14 13.30 34.80 3016 30000
2000
2014-15 13.70 43.18 3318 20000
2015-16 11.87 32.23 2830 10000 1000

The contribution of the state to the national 0 0

1960-61
1966-67
1972-73
1978-79
1984-85
1990-91
1996-97
2002-03
2008-09
2014-15
maize production was around 10 per cent
during 1995 and it rose to 15.3 per cent in
1999 and further to 19.0 per cent during
Fig. 1. The trend in area, production and
2011-12 from 15.0% area. During the
productivity of the state.
triennum (TE) 2011-12 Karnataka had the
highest share (14%) of the area and 18.32% Maize cultivation has spread to irrigated
of the production. The share of Karnataka areas of non-traditional belts of the state
has increased by fivefold for areas and three which is grown successfully in uplands of
fold in production. Three independent high rainfall areas in malnad where water is
variables namely high yielding varieties insufficient for paddy cultivation. The major
(HYV), average annual rainfall and type of maize growing districts of the state are
soil were considered to analyze for 12 years. Dharwad, Haveri, Davanagere, Chitradurga,
Based on the analysis it was found that the Belgaum, Bellary, Bagalkot, Shimoga and
Impact of HYV seed to maize yield was Bijapur which grow more than 75,000
significant. With a change in 1.0 unit in HYV hectares of maize every year (Table 4 & Fig.
area of maize in the state, there was a 2).
Table 4. The district-wise trends in APY of maize during Kharif, Rabi and Summer season from
2015-16.
District Area (hectare) Production (tonnes) Yield (kg/ha)
Kharif Rabi Summer Kharif Rabi Summer Kharif Rabi Summer
Bagalkote 27789 13864 2647 102932 45242 9261 3899 3435 3683
Bangalore- 917 106 106 2503 268 298 2873 2661 2955
Urban
Bangalore-Rural 14695 82 89 41769 207 250 2992 2661 2955
Belgaum 96482 23620 3061 202197 52844 8715 2206 2355 2997
Bellary 82764 3829 2146 217872 10633 5578 2771 2923 2736
Bidar 1235 148 0 2330 374 0 1986 2661 0
Bijapur 27783 9884 2540 46189 17183 5084 1750 1830 2107

208
 Maize in Karnataka

Chamarajanagar 36049 1968 552 149109 6267 2759 4354 3352 5261
Chickballapur 55407 456 514 185913 1432 1961 3532 3306 4015
Chikmagalur 25831 0 0 61668 0 0 2513 0 0
Chitradurga 89794 1524 875 269220 4034 2152 3156 2786 2589
Dakshina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kannada
Davanagere 163015 2352 1033 492004 6958 4317 3177 3114 4399
Dharwad 26421 3345 1134 49999 5984 2744 1992 1883 2547
Gadag 31263 2864 36 48233 4723 101 1624 1736 2955
Gulbarga 1803 538 295 2110 505 276 1232 988 985
Hassan 76828 2156 74 243191 6718 208 3332 3280 2955
Haveri 158681 8014 4001 361642 23655 10871 2399 3107 2860
Kodagu 3423 10 15 15401 25 42 4736 2661 2955
Kolar 550 38 52 1501 96 146 2873 2661 2955
Koppal 38602 5212 1396 43933 8823 2606 1198 1782 1965
Mandya 4376 351 166 15826 887 466 3807 2661 2955
Mysore 29061 7668 474 86358 25299 1331 3128 3473 2955
Raichur 135 811 170 171 2050 477 1337 2661 2955
Ramanagaram 1453 175 359 4525 399 1368 3278 2403 4011
Shimoga 48558 245 2495 194946 1049 7004 4226 4508 2955
Tumkur 24031 27 149 62073 68 418 2719 2661 2955
Udupi 0 7 1 0 18 3 0 2661 2955
Uttara Kannada 4756 127 343 22302 321 963 4936 2661 2955
Yadgir 885 45 31 1861 114 87 2214 2661 2955
Karnataka State 1072587 226176 24754 2927778 2661 69486 2873 2661 2955
Growth rate of maize area, production and
productivity
The growth rate of maize was the highest
compared to other traditional crops (rice,
tur) in the State. For instance, the growth
rate (CAGR) of maize w was 8.5 per cent and
7.2% for production and area expansion
respectively in the last 30 years. It is much
higher than the growth of rice, whichwhi is
registered at 2.2% and 1.1% of production
and area expansion respectively during the
same period. The same holds
hold true for the tur
crop as well the growth rate of area and
production of tur was much lower than that
of maize during the same period. As the
growth rate of maize is higher than the
growthh rate of its area expansion during the
Fig. 2. Area wise major maize growing
last three decades, it infers that the yield
districts (in descending order) in Karnataka
Karnataka.

209
 Maize in Karnataka

level of the crop was good during the period (Table 5).
Table 5. The growth rate of area (lakh ha), production (lakh MT) of major traditional crops of
the state.
Crop 1980-81 1990-91 2000-01 2010-11 CAGR
Rice Area 11.1 11.7 14.8 15.4 1.1
Production 22.6 24.3 38.5 43.0 2.2
Maize Area 1.6 2.5 6.7 12.9 7.2
Production 3.8 6.3 21.4 44.4 8.5
Tur Area 3.4 4.6 5.8 8.9 3.3
Production .3 1.8 2.6 5.3 4.9
During the period 1998-99 to 2009-10, except (1998-99 to 2012-13), substantial growth in
three districts viz., Bangalore (Urban), Kolar maize area has been witnessed in the state
and Udupi, all the districts where maize is especially in Davangere (3.89%), Haveri
being cultivated, have shown positive and (6.49%), Belagavi (3.37%), Bellary (8.3%) and
significant growth rate that contributed to Chitradurg (8.14%) districts. During this
the state’s growth rate. The highest growth period the overall growth of the state in
rate in terms of area has been observed in terms of area was around 7.6%. Among the
Mandya followed by Uttara Kannada, districts, Davanagere has highest area (1.88
Hassan and Chikkamanaguluru. However, lakh ha) with production 5.03 lakh tonnes
their share to the states total production is and productivity of 3563 kg/ha. During this
very low (Singha and Chakravarthy, 2013). period the overall growth of the state in
Based on the log linear regression, the term of area was around 7.6%. The rapid
growth trend among different districts it growth was due to high yielding varieties
was found that Uttara Kannada and (HYVs) adaptable to wide range of
Chikkamanguluru witnessed significantly environments (Table 6). The area expansion
higher growth rate in terms of area and in Karnataka was around 7.98% which was
production followed by Bijapur, Hassan, marginally lower from Maharashtra (9.19%).
Raichur and Shimoga. In the past 15 years
Table 6. The area under high yielding variety of maize in Karnataka (000 ha).
2002-03 203-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
624 591 843 919 958 1108 1059 1186 1230
The maize yields have also increased at the yield is 2.4%. However, the impact of soil on
rate of 0.23 per cent per annum. The studies the growth of yield is not significant. It was
showed that with a change of one unit in found that between 2001 and 2003 there was
area under HYVs of maize in the state, a a significant growth in yield of maize
change of 4.7 per cent in yield of maize was compared to 1998. The production and yield
observed. Thus the impact of HYVs seed to level of the state have increased at the rate of
enhance the maize yield of state is 7.86 and 0.23% per annum. However, the
significant and clear. However, the yield highest growth in production was observed
improvement was more visible in the in Chitradurg (8.72%) district. The yield
districts of Chitradurg, Hassan and Shiomga improvement was more visible in the
compared to the other. Similarly, the impact districts of Chitradurg, Hassan and Shiomga
of average annual rainfall on the growth of compared to the other.

210

Major cropping systems and production
ecologies
Maize-maize (double cropping systems
practiced in command areas), Soybean-
maize, maize-wheat, cotton-maize are major
cropping systems practiced in the state. It is
being cultivated in irrigated, rainfed, rainfed
with protective irrigation ecologies.
However, the rainfed area is nearly 55-60
per cent and this area is likely to increase in
future. The area under irrigated ecosystem is
around 40 to 45 per cent.
Genesis of AICRP centres
The agricultural research station, Arabhavi
located in the district of Belgaum has been
established during 1909 as a result of
construction of weir across Ghataprabha
river, Dupdhal village during 1889. It was
the only station for scientific work of
improvement of cereals, such as including
maize in erstwhile state of Bombay. This
station is located 10 km away from Gokak
on Gokak-Sankeshwar road. Nearest
Railway station is Ghataprabha (Miraj-
Bangalore section). This research station is
situated at an altitude of 640 m, latitude of
16º12’ N and longitude of 74º 54’ E. The soil
is of medium black type. Source of irrigation
is Ghataprabha canal water which flows
from July to February making it possible to
raise two crops in a year. This station
receives an average rainfall of 566 mm.
During early 1900s, “Arabhavi Local”
variety of maize was being grown by the
farmers in Belgaum district for longer time.
The area was around 18000 acres; of this
area, more or less half of the area (which
includes both Kharif and Rabi seasons) was
under irrigation provided by the Gokak
canals. The canal provided irrigation for
about eight months only, where the maize
crop, by virtue of its short duration found a
place in the system of mixed and double
211
Maize in Karnataka
cropping within the available period of
water and this was the major food crop in
the canal area.
The research work on maize was initiated
much before the inception of the All India
Co-ordinated Maize Improvement Project
(AICMIP). In 1948, a section for
improvement of maize was started to cater
to the needs of the cultivators of canal region
in the then Bombay state, in particular, and
other irrigated tracts in general, with the
objective to evolve high yielding and early
maturing superior strains of batter quality.
The work on hybrid maize production was
started in 1947-48 at the agricultural school,
Arabhavi, to cater to the needs of the corn
growing areas in the region. The selection
for desirable plants from local and exotic
materials, and continuance of their
progenies by controlled pollinations resulted
in six early, five mid-late, and five late, pure
breeding and superior inbred lines in local
materials, and four in exotic materials viz.,
Sahara, Peruvian, Swali White and pride of
Salin. With this as foundation stock, the
programme of hybridization was initiated.
All the indigenous inbreds were crossed
inter se and with exotic inbreds as well. The
F1 crosses were tested for hybrid vigour and
yield. The crosses with only the exotic lines
viz., S-23, originating from Sahara, an
African variety showed promising. Thus, the
crosses that showed promise were repeated
and trials conducted. In 1955, due to
constant research work and efforts of the
Breeders, a three way hybrid S-23 (I-5 × L-5)
was developed and released by this centre
which recorded 30 per cent higher yield over
“Arabhavi local” with two per cent higher
protein and it was popular up to 1961. The
production and distribution of hybrid maize
seeds was in operation from 1955 to 1961
subsidized by ICAR under comprehensive

scheme for scientific improvement of cereals
and pulses. However, the research made in
India revealed that the indigenous varieties
have a very narrow genetic base and the
hybrids developed with such material
cannot make much headway since they did
not registered significantly superior grain
yields as compared to local varieties.
In 1957 the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research in collaboration with Rockefeller
foundation formulated a co-ordinated maize
breeding scheme on all India basis. The
scheme was operated at five main centres
and 11 sub-centres representing principal
maize growing zones of the country under
the overall supervision of a Project Co-
ordinator and Associate Project Co-
ordinator. Agricultural Research Station at
Arabhavi also happened to be one among
the 11 sub-stations. With inception of the
AICMIP, Arabhavi centre was also
recognized as one of the testing centres. In
1981, the resistance breeding work on
sorghum downy mildew and Turcicum leaf
blight disease was started functioning at
Zonal Agricultural Research Station, VC
farm, Mandya under the auspices of AICRP
on Maize. In the beginning, the problem of
identifying Turcicum leaf blight from
downy mildew infected plants was felt
difficult in view of the systemic nature of
Sorghum downy mildew on maize resulting
in complete killing of plants as a result, no
plant foliage was available for the
establishment of Turcicum leaf blight. Even
on surviving downy mildew affected plants
there was overlapping of necrotic streaks
developed on the foliage and Turcicum leaf
blight spots. This misleads the observations
of the two diseases. Repeated efforts made
to establish Turcicum leaf blight incidence in
downy mildew disease free spots at Mandya
212
Maize in Karnataka
with artificial inoculation which was also
did not give fruitful results.
Thus a proposal was made for
consideration during seventh five-year plan
to open a sub-station with minimum staff
strength at agricultural research station,
Naganahalli, Mysore. Full pledged research
work on Turcicum leaf blight disease
resistance was started functioning from
May, 1997. The centre was considered as
‘hot spot’ for Turcicum leaf blight incidence
and the research works on TLB and polysora
rust were carried out till Kharif 2008 at
agriculture research station, Naganahalli. In
view of the conversion of agricultural
research station, Naganahalli into
completely organic farming research station,
the AICRP (maize) project was shifted from
Naganahalli to zonal agricultural research
station, VC farm, Mandya from December,
2008.
The sorghum downy mildew sick plot
was created and maintained from 1981 and
the germplasm is being continuously
screened against this disease. Mandya
center, being the only center in India
identified as ‘hot spot’ location for sorghum
downy mildew, the hot-spot location for
TLB and polysora rust were also established
at ZARS, Mandya from rabi 2008 and work
is continuing.
AICRP technologies
The AICRP centres located in the state have
released several cultivars, from time to time
to continuously enhance the yield levels of
the states. The brief details of the cultivars
released are given in Table 7.
 Maize in Karnataka

Table 7. Cultivars released for state by AICRP.

Type Cultivar Year Released Other Characteristics
by
Composite Renuka (G-25) 1984 SVRC Early maturing (85 to 90 days) suitable for
growing with cotton as mixed cropping
system
Composite Prabha (G-57) 1989 SVRC Full season, tolerant to stem borer, TLB,
downy mildew, erwinia stalk rot, late wilt
Composite NAC-6004 1998 SVRC Late maturity: composite
Grain color: Orange yellow
Grain type: Semident
Recommended for both rainfed/irrigated
ecosystem in southern Karnataka,
Tolerant to Sorghum downy mildew,
Turcicum leaf blight and Polysora rust
diseases

Hybrid DMH-1 1998 SVRC Full season hybrid tolerant to TLB,SDM

Composite NAC-6002 1999 SVRC Early maturity composite
Grain color: Orangeyellow
Grain type :Semident
Recommended for inter cropping with
pulses and oil seeds.
Tolerant to Sorghum downy mildew,
Turcicum leaf blight and Polysora rust
diseases
Hybrid DMH-2 2002 SVRC Single cross hybrid tolerant to TLB,SDM
Hybrid NAH-2049 2006 SVRC Single cross hybrid and late maturity. It is
(Nithyashree) suitable both Irrigated and Rainfed
situation in southern Karnataka.
Grain colour: Orange yellow
Grain type: Semident
Resistant to Sorghum downy mildew,
Turcicum leaf blight and Polysora rust
diseases.
Hybrid EH- 2009 SVRC Three way cross tolerant to
434042(Arjun) TLB,SDM,PFSR,Rust
Hybrid NAH-1137 2010 SVRC Single cross hybrid.
Stay green type: Late maturity
Grain colour: Orange yellow
Grain type: Semident
Suitable for both kharif and rabi Season.

213
 Maize in Karnataka

Type Cultivar Year Released Other Characteristics

by
Tolerant to Sorghum downy mildew,
Turcicum leaf blight and Polysora rust
diseases
Hybrid GH-0727 2014 SVRC Single cross hybrid tolerant to TLB,PFSR
(Shrushti) and Moderately tolerant to SDM
1. DMH-1 blight (MLB), post flowering stalk rot and
This is a double top cross hybrid released sorghum downy mildew (SDM). The hybrid
during 1997- grows tall and fodder yield realized is very
98. This is a high compare to any of the hybrids. This
full season hybrid was released during 2008.
(115-120 DAS)
maturity
hybrid. The
hybrid is a
stay green
type which remains green at the time of
harvest. This is tolerant to turcicum leaf
blight (TLB).

2. DMH-2
This is a first ever single cross hybrid
developed in South India and released
during the year 2002. This is a full season 4. GH-0727 (Shrusti)
(115-120 GH-0727 is a
DAS) single cross full
maturity season maturity
hybrid. hybrid (115-120
The DAS.) It can be
hybrid is
DMH-1
grown under
tolerant to irrigated
turcicum Ecosystem during
leaf blight (TLB) and moderately tolerant to Kharif season in
post flowering stalk rot (PFSR). This hybrid Zone 3 and 8 of
can be cultivated both in Kharif and Rabi Karnataka. It is
season. tolerant to
Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) and rust. The
3. EH-434042 (Arjun) hybrid is having attractive cob features with
This is a three way cross hybrid which takes orange yellow colour grains. The hybrid is
114-118 DAS for maturity. This hybrid is having 84.88% shelling percentage, with 100
having multiple disease reaction against grain weight and yield are 36.82 gm and 72.0
turcicum leaf blight (TLB), rust, maydis leaf q/ha respectively.

214
 Maize in Karnataka

red soils in moderate rainfall area and

Patents/Registration planting maize on ridges in heavy rainfall
areas and irrigated heavy black soil is
Hybrid Year of Registration
recommended for optimum yields.
registration No.
3. Alternative furrow irrigation,
DMH-2 2010 E59 ZM83 07
alternatively in heavy black soil is found
416
ideal.
No. 17/2010
4. Excess of moisture during early stages is
DMH-1 2012 E60 ZM84 07
quite harmful and optimum moisture
417
after flowering is a must.
No. 4/2012
5. Weedicides like atrazine or simazine can
Arabhavi local was one of the popular
be safely used in maize crop as pre
landrace which was grown during early
emergence spray at the rate of 2 kg/ha.
1900s to 1960s. It was white type, suitable for
6. Detopping (removal of portion above the
preparing roti, rawa, porridge and matures
ear) 30 days after silk drying can be safely
in 90-95 days. However, of late most of the
practiced without affecting grain yield
maize area (95%) in the state is under
which gives lot of green fodder at the
hybrids. As per the informal estimates, the
time of fodder scarcity.
most popular hybrids among farming
7. Intercropping of maize in cotton or
community in the state are CP-818, CP-999
freshly planted sugarcane with early
developed by Charoen and Pokhpond Seeds
maturing maize genotype is a handy
Limited. The area under CP-818 is the
cropping system for the small and
highest in Karnataka state. It is followed by
marginal farmers.
the hybrid NK-6240 from M/S Syngenta
8. Intercropping of pulses (Cowpea,
India Limited. The other popular hybrids
Soybean, Redgram, Greengram and
are 900 M Gold, DKC 8101 etc. from
blackgram during Kharif) and oilseeds
Monsanto India Limited. Further, the
(Sunflower and Groundnut in Kharif-
hybrids developed AICRP centres are also
Safflower in Rabi) was found to be highly
being cultivated but in limited area. The
remunerative compared to sole crop of
major hybrids developed by AICRP centres
maize.
of the state are Arjun (EH-434042), GH-0727
9. Combined application of Zn:Fe:Mn
(Shrushti), NAH-2049 (Nithyashree) and
(20:20:20 kg/ha) with recommended dose
Hema. In Karnataka around 20 per cent area
NPK enhances the grain yield of maize.
is under single cross hybrids, whereas the
10.Need based plant protection sprays with
rest of the area (60-75%) is under either three
endosulphon for insect pests and Dithen
way or double cross hybrids. Only 5 to 10%
M-45 for downy mildew and leaf blight
area is under OPV.
gives optimum yields.
Production technologies recommended
11.In-situ green manuring of two rows of
1. Early planting of maize gives higher
fodder cowpea or sunhemp in between 90
yields. Maintenance of plant population
cm rows of maize and incorporating at 45
of 55,000-66,000 per ha. is a must for
days after sowing is found to enhance
achieving higher yields.
grain yield of maize and improves soil
2. Planting of maize in flat bed followed by
fertility. In-situ green manuring is found
earthing up in case of medium to shallow

215

to have residual effect by increasing the
grain yield of succeeding wheat crop.
12.October first fortnight to November first
fortnight is found to be optimum sowing
time or rabi maize.
13.Intercropping of Renuka composite with
Cotton (cv. ACP-71) is found to be
profitable which is beneficial over sole
crop.
14.Intercropping of two rows of soybean (JS
335) in between 90 cm rows of maize
(DMH-1 and DMH-2) is found to be
profitable and farmer could get
additional profit of Rs. 3000 over sole
maize.
15.In-situ green manuring of fodder Cowpea
or Sunhemp with maize during the kharif
season followed by wheat in rabi is found
to be profitable cropping system in GLBC
area.
16.The DMH-1 (Dharwad Maize Hybrid-1),
the double top cross hybrid developed
from this centre was released during 1996
and it is extensively cultivated by the
farmers of Karnataka State.
17.The single cross hybrid DMH-2
(Dharwad Maize Hybrid-2), developed at
this centre is recommended for release in
the State during 1999. This hybrid is 20
and 8 percent superior to Deccan-103 and
DMH-1 respectively. The hybrid is also
tolerant to turcicum leaf blight, fairly
resistant to charcoal stalk rot.
18.DMH-1 a double top cross full season
hybrid is identified as moderately
resistant to TLB, SDM and PFSR.
19.A multiple disease resistant single cross
hybrid namely, DMH-2 is noted resistant
to TLB, SDM and PFSR under artificial
inoculations.
20.For management of TLB it is
recommended that spraying of Mancozeb
at the rate of 2.5 grams/L of water after
216
Maize in Karnataka
initiation of the disease should be done in
susceptible maize cultivars at knee-high
stage. Second and third spray to be done
at intervals of 10 days, if necessary.
21.Spraying of propiconazole 25% EC (Tilt)
@ 1 ml/L of water at 30 and 45 days after
sowing most effective in controlling rust.
22.Early sowing during kharif, first fortnight
of June resulted in minimum foliar
disease pressure and enhanced maize
yields.
Value addition in maize
Crop Technology Developed Year
Maize Nippattu, Laddu, 2010
Vermicelli, noodles,
crispies and papad are
added to Package of
practice (POP)
Maize Nutrimix, vadamix and 2011
idlimix are added to
Package of practice
(POP)
Popco Popcorn burfi, bar and 2013
rn other popcorn value
added products are
added to Transfer of
practice (TOT)
Package of practices for maize in
Karnataka
The crop can be sown throughout the year in
all the seasons. However, May to June,
September to October and January to
February are the best time of sowing for
kharif, rabi and summer season, respectively.
The crop should not be sown in the month
of September, in the Downey mildew
disease infected regions in the previous year.
The crop is not suitable for the places which
cross 40.5°C temperature. Under such
places, grain yield will be reduced due to
insufficient grain filling in the cob and
improper pollination. The seed rate of 22.5
to 27.5 kg/ha with 10 tonnes of FYM or 1

tonnes of poultry manure. The manures
should be incorporated 2-3 weeks before
sowing. The chemical fertilizer dose should
be used based on soil test result; under
deficient soils, zinc sulphate should be
mixed with soil before sowing. In iron and
zinc deficient black clay soils, zinc sulphate
and vermi compost mixture should be
incorporated to soil at the time of sowing.
However, the recommended fertilizer dose
is 150:75:75:: N:P:K, along with 25 kg/ha
each of zinc and ferrous sulphate.
The major maize based cropping systems
are maize-wheat, maize-chickpea, maize +
soybean inter cropping system (1:2). Weeds
can be controlled by using Simazine or
Atrazine 50 WP herbicide at 2.5 kg/ha in
sandy soils and 3.0 kg/ha in black soils by
dissolving in 500 liters of water on the day
of sowing or next day after sowing. At the
time of herbicide application, there should
be sufficient moisture available in the soil
and the soil should be in good tilth
condition, all the seed born weeds can be
controlled by this herbicide.
Disease scenario
Maize is one of the most important cereal
crops in Karnataka and is widely grown in
various climatic conditions across the state.
The occurrence and severity of diseases and
resultant losses are dependent on the
prevailing agro-climatic conditions and
hybrids grown in an area. A total of twelve
fungal diseases viz., turcicum leaf blight,
maydis leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot,
brown spot, common rust, poysora rust,
charcoal stalk rot and fusarium stalk rot,
seedling blight, diplodia ear rot
(Syn.Stenocarpella maydis), sorghum downy
mildew and banded leaf and sheath blight
were recorded during the surveys (Fig. 3).
Some of the diseases viz., turcicum leaf
blight (Exserohilum taxicum), maydis leaf
217
Maize in Karnataka
blight (Dreschlera maydis), polysora rust
(Puccinia polysora), common rust (Puccinia
sorgi), and charcoal stalk rot (Macrophomina
phasealina) were prevalent in all the districts
of northern Karnataka with moderate to
heavy incidence on almost all the hybrids
grown. Whereas diseases like banded leaf
and sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani f. sp.
sasakii), seedling blights (Exserohilum turcium
and Fusarium sp.) curvularia leaf spot
(Curvularia lunata) and ear rots (Diplodia
maydis (Syn. Stenocarpella maydis), Fusarium
sp.) were predominantly prevalent in heavy
rainfall areas of hilly zone and transitional
zone. The banded leaf and sheath blight
(BSLB) was very severe in Kalaghatagi
taluks of Dharwad district and Mundagod
taluk of Uttar Kannada district during kharif
season. The low to moderate incidence of
seedling blight was observed in Dharwad,
Haveri and Belgaum districts during kharif
season, whereas high severity of curvularia
leaf spot was noticed in Kalaghatagi and
Dharwad taluks of Dharwad district and
also in Davanagere and Haveri districts. Ear
rots noticed in heavy rainfall areas viz.,
Hanagal, Hirekerur, Haliyal taluks in low to
moderate incidence.
The major diseases like TLB, PFSR,
common rust and polysora rust will
continue to represent problems in certain
conditions, whereas other diseases like,
BLSB, CLS, MLB, diplodia ear rot and brown
spot which were not previously known as
limiting factors, but now identified as new
challenges in maize production in
Karnataka. The severity of TLB, MLB and
polysora rust in Haveri, Dharwad and
Belgaum districts may be attributed to
extensive and continuous cropping of maize
and cultivation of susceptible hybrids. The
increasing trend in disease severity of maize
can be attributed to late sowing (late July to

August) due to irregular supply of water
from command area canals and
unpredictable start of rainy season and
unawareness in application of suitable
chemicals and also cultivation of highly
susceptible hybrids. Some areas viz., Haveri,
Dharwad, Kalaghatagi, Bailhongal and
Davanagere recorded high severity of foliar
diseases and are considered as endemic for
foliar diseases, whereas viz., Ramdurga,
Gokak, Mudhol, Bellary, Koppal,
Harapanahalli, Jamakhandi, Navalgund and
Nargund recorded more than 30% incidence
of PFSR. Hence, these locations were
identified as hot spots for PFSR disease(s).
Moderate to severe incidence of diplodia ear
rot and BLSB were noticed in Kalaghatagi
taluk (Dharwad district), Haveri and
Davanagere districts. However, the disease
severity varied from locality to locality and
was more in monocropping system.
Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) and maydis
leaf blight (MLB) diseases were noticed
during the second fortnight of July and
severity progressed later on and reached
maximum during September in Dharwad,
Haveri and Gadag Districts. Maydis leaf
blight was very severe in Kalaghatagi and
Haveri taluks. Polysora rust appeared
during second fortnight of August and
recorded maximum severity during first
fortnight of October in Dharwad, Bailhongal
and Haveri taluks. Moderate to severe
incidence of banded leaf and sheath blight
(BLSB) was noticed during second fortnight
of September and attained severe at grain
filling stage in Kalaghatagi and Mundagod
taluks. Moderate to severe incidence of
Curvularia leaf spot was notice in Dharwad
and Haveri Districts during September first
fortnight.
In the scenario of climate change, the
survey and surveillance of maize diseases
218
Maize in Karnataka
during past five years revealed that, the
furgal foliar diseases viz., turcicum leaf
blight, common rust, maydis leaf blight,
curvularia leaf spot, diplodia ear rot, brown
spot and banded leaf and sheath blight were
found widespread during rainy season. The
post flowering stalk rot diseases viz.,
charcoal stalkrot and Fusarium stalk rot
were noticed in rabi/summer seasons.
Turicum leaf blight (Exserohium turcicum)
was prevalent at all the growth stages of the
crop. Its severity was 5-15 per cent during
vegetative stage, while it was 15-40 and 45-
80 per cent during tasselling and post
flowering stages respectively. The disease
was noticed both under rainfed and
irrigated situations, Severity of turcicum leaf
blight was observed in severe form in high
rainfall areas and also fields which had low
nitrogen levels coupled with low moisture
stress during early stages of crop growth.
Maydis leaf blight (Dreschlera maydis) was
recorded up to 16 per cent at tasselling stage
and 50 per cent during post flowering stage.
Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) was
widespread in irrigated command areas and
assured rainfall areas of transitional zone.
The late sown crop was most affected by
rust at flowering to grainfilling stage. The
severity of common rust was 35-60 per cent.
Curvularia leaf spot (Curvulaira lunata)
severity was noticed during tasselling to
post flowering stage of the crop up to 50 per
cent. Hot and humid climate favored the
development of Curvularia leaf spot.
Banded leaf and sheath blight (Rhizoctionia
sloani f sp. saskii) was recorded in the range
of 5-25 per cent in heavy rainfall areas
during flowering to grain filling stage. BLSB
was predominant in paddy-maize and
maize-maize cropping sequence. Brown spot
(Physoderma maydis) intensity was recorded
up to 25% during vegetative to post
 Maize in Karnataka

flowering stage. Brown spot severity was of diseases in future. In addition there is
high in areas where mono cropping was need for proper diagnosis of viral diseases
practiced. In some locations, stalk breaking which are transmitting through seeds since
and stalk rot induced by Physoderma maydis major hybrids of multinational companies
was noticed besides foliar infection. are ruling.
Sporadic incidence of diploida ear rot
(Stenocorpella maydis) was also noticed at
grain filling to maturity stage in heavy
rainfall areas. The bird’s damage and
earworm infestation aggravated the ear rot
intensity.
A survey conducted recently, revealed
that, the severity of curvularia leaf spot was
prevalent in moderate to severe intensities
on most of the hybrids grown in Karnataka
during rainy season and cause extensive
damage to the crop thus lowering yields.
The disease severity ranged from 22.50% to
68.4%. High disease severity was recorded
in Dharawad, Haveri and Belagum districts
during tasselling to post flowering stage of
the crop. Hot and humid climate favoured
the development of disease during
flowering to grain filling stage. The diseased
samples were analyzed. Microscopic
examination of the cultures of different
locations revealed association of two species Fig. 3. The disease distribution map of
of curvularia namely, Curvularia lunata and Karnataka.
Curvularia eragrostidis. The most prominent Extension and outreach
was Curvularia lunata followed Curvularia In order to demonstrate the worth of
eragrostidis. The loss estimation studies improved technology, during kharif 2014
showed that, in susceptible hybrids the season, there was a target to cover 1,55,256
avoidable yield loss ranged form 23.8 to ha of maize cultivated area in the
35.0%. In addition the yield losses due to Davanagere district with improved
TLB was estimated to the tune of 56% in management interventions. However
susceptible cultivar; CM-202. In case of beyond target, 110% (1,72,144 ha) of the
moderately resistant genotypes namely; maize cultivated area was covered under
DMH-1, Prabha and Deccan-103 losses were improved management. The results of CCEs
13.6, 16.5 and 20% respectively. (crop cutting experiments) showed huge
The continuous survey and surveillance benefits through adoption of improved
of maize diseases along with identification management in enhancing maize grain and
of germplasm tolerant to post flowering fodder production across all taluks in the
stalk rots is required to tackle the challenges district (Table 8). The results were compared

219
 Maize in Karnataka

with the farmers’ management, it was 31% increase in fodder yield

yi in the district
observed that the grain productivity which translates to additional 1,210 kg kg/ha
increased by 18% to 29% and fodder grain production and 1,077 kg/ha kg fodder
productivity by 24 to 42%. On an average, production.
there was 22% increase in grain yield and
Table 8. Yield improvement through improved practices v/s farmer’s practices - a case study of
Davangere district.
Study area Farmers'
rmers' management Improved management % increase over FP
Davanagere
District Grain Fodder TDM Grain Fodder TDM Grain Fodder TDM
Channagiri 5950 3430 11400 7050 4290 13800 18 25 21
Davanagere 5540 2750 9950 7130 3900 13300 29 42 34
Harihar 5740 4220 11840 6900 5240 14250 20 24 20
Honnali 4310 3370 8840 5300 4650 11240 23 38 27
Mean 5385 3443 10508 6595 4520 13148 22 31 25
Source: Bhoochetana Report 2014-15
15.

90 Key production problems in the state for

80 maize
70 The shift in traditional crops and cropping
Productivity (q/ha)

60 systems with maize based systems are

50 gaining importance in view of changing
40 resource base under the current farming
30 scenario (Table 9).. The major production
20 constraints are due to rainfed cropping
10 system. The incidence
ncidence of terminal stress
0 especially the moisture stress reduces the
yield due to low rains as monsoon recedes
(Table 10, Fig. 5 and 6). Thus development
of early maturing terminal drought stress
resilience will substantially help in
sustaining the yield levels. Whereas in
Fig. 4. The comparison of yield level of irrigated ecosystems (Table 11), hybrids
maize
with tolerance to high-density
high planting will
Similarly, thehe technologies were also
help in further enhancement. The
Th efficient
demonstrated through front line
demonstrations and tribal sub-plan
sub across nutrient management techniques along with
different districts of the state.
state The glimpses water use efficient hybrids will bring down
of yield gap between global maize the cost of production thus enhances the
productivity vis-à-vis
vis other are given in Fig. profit margin of maze farmers. Finally, the
4. incidence of diseases like TLB, PFSR and

220
 Maize in Karnataka

rust also act as major constraints, which can like deficiency of zinc, iron and phosphorus
be reduced by developing disease resistant were also noticed in Dharwad, Haveri and
hybrids. In addition some abiotic stresses Belgaum districts.

Table 9. Changes in cropping pattern in Karnataka.

Share in GCA (%)
Crop
1960-63 1970-73 1980-83 1990-93 2000-03 2007-10
Rice 9.9 10.7 10.3 10.3 11.4 11.6
Sorghum 28.0 21.8 19.2 18.0 15.1 10.9
Pearl millet 4.8 4.6 5.4 3.3 2.7 2.6
Maize 0.1 0.7 1.4 2.3 5.3 9.0
Finger millet 9.6 9.8 9.8 8.8 7.7 6.4
Wheat 2.9 2.9 3.0 1.7 2.2 2.2
Small millets 4.2 4.1 3.2 1.1 0.6 0.3
Total cereals 59.7 55.4 52.4 45.5 45.0 43.1
Pigeon pea 2.7 2.5 3.3 3.9 4.4 5.0
Chick pea 2.5 1.4 1.3 1.7 3.7 6.1
Total pulses 11.9 11.0 13.2 13.8 16.9 18.3
Food grains 71.9 68.3 66.6 59.4 61.9 61.4
Groundnut 8.4 9.2 7.6 10.5 7.8 6.8

Rainfall pattern
Drought is recognized as the most important fertility (including micronutrient
constraint across the rainfed environments deficiencies) in degraded lands and low
(Fig. 7). The changing climate not only affects nutrient use efficiency are also among the
the frequency and intensity of abiotic most important factors limiting maize
stresses like moisture stress (Table 12), but productivity and yield stability. Low
also affects intensity of biotic stresses on crop adoption of improved production
plants. Maize in Karnataka is affected by an technology continues to be a major challenge
array of diseases and insect-pests; these for improving maize productivity in India.
include the post-flowering stalk rots (PFSR), Poor agronomic management of crop causes
turcicum leaf blight (TLB), downy mildews, sub-optimal realization of yield potential of
ear rots, stem borers and weevils, besides cultivars. Weed infestation in the kharif
high incidence of mycotoxins in maize grain season is the single biggest challenge in
harvested in some parts of the country. Which maize-based cropping systems. Lack of
causes post-harvest losses due to poor drying systematic regulated marketing, negligible
facilities is yet another challenge. Maize is processing and price glut during harvest are
particularly vulnerable to the reproductive some of the other challenges the state
stage heat stress. Climate projections also farmers are facing.
suggest that elevated temperatures. Poor soil

221
 Maize in Karnataka

Table 10. Mean monthly rainfall and number of rainy days during kharif and rabi seasons for Karnataka state from 1951 to 2008.
District Rainfall May Jun Jul Aug Sep Kharif Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Rabi /Summer
Bengaluru A 94 71 87 115 154 521 145 63 14 2 3 10 32 269
Rural B 6.5 4.9 7 8.1 8.3 34.8 8.1 4.3 1 0.5 0.5 0.6 2.9 17.9
Bengaluru A 113 73 103 132 158 579 166 65 10 1 8 9 37 296
Urban B 6.5 4.9 7.1 8 8.1 34.6 8 4 1.1 0.6 0.6 0.5 2.8 17.6
Bagalkote A 57 68 75 74 143 417 93 35 8 1 2 4 24 167
B 3.1 5 5.7 5.1 8 26.9 5 2 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.8 10.3
Belagavi A 76 114 208 128 110 636 101 38 9 1 2 7 29 187
B 3.8 7.4 11.8 9 7.5 39.5 6.4 2.4 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.6 2.4 12.7
Bellary A 71 69 88 99 132 459 101 34 10 1 1 3 27 177
B 3.6 4.3 6.2 6.3 7.3 27.7 5.4 2.4 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.8 10.9
Bidar A 31 134 192 184 195 736 75 24 6 3 5 13 23 149
B 2.4 7.4 11.6 10.1 10.7 42.2 3.6 1.6 0.4 0.5 0.8 1.1 2.1 10.1
Vijayapura A 44 78 89 103 157 471 95 28 8 1 2 6 20 160
B 3.1 5 5.7 5.1 8 26.9 5 2 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.8 10.3
Chamaraja A 146 58 64 82 112 462 163 79 19 4 6 15 68 354
nagar B 6.5 4.9 7 8.1 8.3 34.8 8.1 4.3 1 0.5 0.5 0.6 2.9 17.9
Chikkaballa A 74 59 92 107 154 486 147 54 16 1 4 8 26 256
Pur B 6.5 4.9 7 8.1 8.3 34.8 8.1 4.3 1 0.5 0.5 0.6 2.9 17.9
Chikmagal A 105 301 662 382 160 1610 145 59 16 1 3 12 58 294
Ur B 6.1 15 21.4 18.5 11.6 72.6 9.1 4.1 1 0.3 0.3 0.8 3.9 19.5
Chitradurga A 94 69 74 92 128 457 142 60 10 5 7 11 27 262
B 4.3 4.2 6.9 6.1 6.2 27.7 6 2.9 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.8 12.2
Dakshin A 171 921 1301 796 320 3509 214 101 25 1 4 10 47 402
Kannada B 6.4 24.8 28.6 26.3 17.2 103.3 11 4.8 1.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 2.2 19.9
Davangere A 84 63 92 98 108 445 91 66 9 1 2 4 39 212
B 4.3 4.2 6.9 6.1 6.2 27.7 6 2.9 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.8 12.2
Dharwad A 88 105 152 100 123 568 106 43 10 1 3 8 47 218
B 4.4 7.5 12 9.2 7.3 40.4 6.6 2.5 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.5 2.6 13.2

222
 Maize in Karnataka

District Rainfall May Jun Jul Aug Sep Kharif Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Rabi /Summer
Gadag A 76 62 67 108 128 441 101 40 9 1 3 5 30 189
B 4.4 7.5 12 9.2 7.3 40.4 6.6 2.5 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.5 2.6 13.2
Gulbarga A 38 108 163 175 194 678 107 16 5 2 3 8 20 161
B 2.2 7.3 10.5 8.7 9.7 38.4 3.8 1.4 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.7 1.7 8.5
Hassan A 107 118 172 196 98 691 172 39 11 1 3 12 58 296
B 7.1 8.9 13.8 10.6 7.7 48.1 8.9 4.6 1.1 0.4 0.4 0.7 3.6 19.7
Haveri A 82 96 201 103 85 567 80 65 15 1 3 5 41 210
B 4.4 7.5 12 9.2 7.3 40.4 6.6 2.5 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.5 2.6 13.2
Kodagu A 151 486 938 426 270 2271 150 95 20 2 5 18 71 361
B 8.9 19.6 25.6 21.5 14.4 90 12.4 6 1.4 0.5 0.4 1.4 5.9 28
Kolar A 75 55 79 87 142 438 119 81 27 8 12 13 25 285
B 4.9 4.3 6.4 7.2 7.6 30.4 7.2 4.7 1.3 0.7 0.5 0.6 3.1 18.1
Koppal A 50 65 91 96 133 435 93 24 7 1 1 2 20 148
B 2.9 5.9 7.4 7.2 8.1 31.5 4.9 1.9 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.5 9.6
Mandya A 123 48 51 85 112 419 152 66 17 3 5 10 50 303
B 7.2 3.6 3.9 5.1 6.2 26 8.5 4.2 1 0.3 0.4 0.6 3.6 18.6
Mysore A 135 65 100 81 89 470 150 51 10 3 4 13 65 296
B 7.8 5.2 7.3 6.5 6.2 33 8.7 4.3 1 0.4 0.4 0.9 4.4 20.1
Raichur A 45 85 101 126 168 525 101 28 7 1 1 2 16 156
B 2.9 5.9 7.4 7.2 8.1 31.5 4.9 1.9 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.5 9.6
Ramanagar A 127 63 82 102 178 552 168 53 15 1 6 12 45 300
B 6.5 4.9 7 8.1 8.3 34.8 8.1 4.3 1 0.5 0.5 0.6 2.9 17.9
Shimoga A 92 307 681 352 144 1576 136 41 10 1 3 7 45 243
B 4.5 13.2 20.5 16.9 9.8 64.9 7.6 3 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.6 2.7 15
Tumkur A 94 69 74 92 128 457 142 60 10 5 7 11 27 262
B 5.5 4.3 6 6.6 7.2 29.6 7.3 3.8 0.8 0.3 0.4 0.5 2.3 15.4
Udupi A 170 1105 1341 840 383 3839 208 78 19 1 3 4 30 343
B 6.4 24.8 28.6 26.3 17.2 103.3 11 4.8 1.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 2.2 19.9
Uttara A 116 681 1006 602 248 2653 139 49 12 1 3 3 25 232
Kannada

223
 Maize in Karnataka

1600
May June July August September
1400
1200
Rainfall (mm)

1000
800
600
400
200
0

Fig. 5. Monthly rainfall pattern during Kharif season in different districts of Karnataka (1951-
2008)

250 October November December January

200 February March April

Rainfall (mm)

150

100

50

Fig. 6. Monthly rainfall pattern during rabi season in different districts of Karnataka (1951-2008)
Table 11. Source of irrigation in Karnataka (triennium averages) area in lakh ha
Triennium Canal Tanks Tube Wells Other Net Gross
wells sources Irrigated Irrigated
Area Area
1960-63 2.56 3.58 0.0 1.46 1.46 9.06 9.96
1970-73 4.38 3.67 0.04 3.11 1.00 12.20 15.02
1980-83 6.11 3.17 0.07 4.02 1.71 15.08 18.59
1990-93 8.94 2.65 2.11 5.32 3.04 22.05 27.45
2000-03 8.81 2.29 6.17 4.69 3.57 25.53 30.67
2004-07 10.11 1.86 9.36 3.93 3.86 29.12 35.21
2008-11 11.08 1.99 12.24 4.23 4.19 34.90 41.87

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 Maize in Karnataka

Table 12. District wise rainfall (mm) pattern in Karnataka state

District Normal Days 1988- 2001- 2004- 2007- Mean 2011 2012 2013 2014
Rainfall 2000 2003 2006 2009 1998-
(mm) 2010
Bagalkot 584 40 634 377 489 689 554 516 372 528 637
Bangalore (Rural) 740 41 893 571 766 792 756 721 487 744 830
Bangalore (Urban) 835 49 1001 604 895 921 855 954 533 821 821
Belgaum 842 53 899 630 1010 1023 901 1153 734 825 1124
Bellary 604 40 566 422 524 648 550 380 418 482 566
Bidar 886 49 893 730 799 749 812 719 727 970 606
Bijapur 632 40 583 405 511 668 547 356 440 564 884
Chamarajanagar 730 43 930 673 948 831 936 698 438 536 868
Chikamagalur 2073 87 2362 1777 2445 2690 2321 1772 1542 2125 1978
Chitradurga 495 31 586 422 602 722 607 363 528 548 769
Dakshina 3519 117 4161 3568 3978 4008 3969 4293 3392 4223 3724
Davanagere 623 43 638 471 657 832 678 535 542 701 901
Dharwad 787 58 679 474 702 793 676 744 526 696 980
Gadag 631 43 586 417 545 758 587 397 403 518 698
Gulbarga 839 45 765 548 649 723 690 593 594 776 702
Hassan 1148 58 1137 836 1348 1347 1186 1516 1141 1499 1500
Haveri 782 61 730 529 730 908 751 772 550 764 1095
Kodagu 2692 111 2806 2292 3251 2953 2814 3077 2001 3429 3015
Kolar 614 32 675 546 699 819 696 643 760 579 493
Koppal 587 36 602 417 470 736 571 417 392 560 722
Mandya 648 37 816 572 801 696 732 664 446 569 782
Mysore 730 47 894 631 804 721 769 782 491 681 833
Raichur 654 37 664 473 540 663 590 358 353 639 549
Shimoga 2421 89 2452 1764 2407 2582 2308 2869 2359 3059 2991
Tumkur 585 32 716 484 630 707 650 549 473 584 691
Udupi 4252 121 4783 4002 4250 4667 4471 5113 4265 4815 4010

Summary
The maize improvement need to be
strengthened through development high
yielding hybrids combined with drought
tolerance along with adoption of farm
practices namely disease control
control, weed
control and irrigation management
techniques to enhance yield levels. The
development
evelopment of GM maize may act as
effective and sustainable solutions to control
insect pests, manage abiotic stresses like
drought and also prevent early stage weed
losses.. The technology may have positive
impact on social life of farmers and
Fig. 7. Rainfall map of Karanataka.
Karanataka
environment. The increase
ncrease in thrust on

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 Maize in Karnataka

promotion and adoption of mechanical References

harvesting could potentially assist in Agricultural Statistics: At a Glance. (2014).
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improving productivity and control farm
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation,
losses. However, access to financial support, Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
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organizations. Apart from the above a
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multipronged improvement is required in An assessment. Working paper series 299.
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The public bred hybrids have on par yield Indian J Agric Sci. 86(4): 427–34.
levels with private bred hybrids. Besides,
the cost of cultivation will be relatively less
compared to private bred hybrids. But as the
extension functionaries and popularization
programmes with regard to public bred
hybrids is week, the present programme
envisaged as an important tool in bringing
limelight into public bred hybrids. It is well
known fact that the corporate sector always
concentrate favorable environment for their
commercial market, but it is the public
sector, which needs to tackle all faculties of
crop improvement programmes. The public-
private partnership (PPP), needs to be
strengthened to harness one another
strengths.

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