Sweet corn : A boon for the Manipur farmers
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Saiba Siddiqui, Dr S Dayananda Singh, Dr M Sumarjit Singh
Introduction
Sweet corn (Zea mays L. ssp. Saccharata Sturt.) constitutes a highly esteemed variant of maize that has experienced a substantial surge in demand, particularly within the rapidly expanding agricultural markets of developingnations. Botanically aligned with the Poaceae family, commonly recognized as the grass or cereal family, it traces its evolutionary lineage to an ancient wild grass native to the Balsa River basin in west-central Mexico. Favored by consumers for its distinctive sweetness, delicate flavour, and tender texture, sweet corn constitutes a genetically unique form of maize separate from field corn.Recent years have witnessed sweet corn emerge not solely as a lucrative crop but as a critical constituent in sustainable food production paradigms, attributable to its remarkable adaptability and rising consumer demand.
In the context of intensifying climate volatility, diminishing natural resour-ces, and intensifying nutri- tional challenges, an organized synthesis of contem- porary research is paramount to guiding technolo- gical innovation for a good economic return from sweet corn. Premium sweet corn commands high value within vegetable markets. Strategic agricultural initiatives directed toward the food-crop sector universally aspire to intensify production efficiency, thereby fostering national self-sufficiency in the provision of staple food resources.
Utility
Sweet corn possesses extraordinary commercial pro- mise, particularly where large-scale cultivation is supported by efficient post-harvest processing, packa- ging, and distribution infrastructure. Its marketing scope extends far beyond domestic boundaries and demonstrates significant competitiveness in international trade. Its versatility extends from boiling and steaming to roasting, and the kernels are widely used in an array of applications, including pizzas, salads, soups, and luxury culinary products such as syrups, jams, creams, and confectionery items. Beyond direct consumption, sweet corn also plays a prominent role in various cultural and industrial applications: immature kernels may be employed in candy manufacture, while mature grains can be milled to produce ‘pinnole’, a traditional confection, or fermented to prepare alcoholic beverages like ‘chicha’.
The crop also supports numerous industrial sectors by functioning as a raw material for the production of starch, glucose syrup, dextrose, dextrin, and a range of biochemical derivatives. With such multi- faceted applications, sweet corn represents a major export commodity with wide domestic utilization as well. It matures relatively early, enabling harvest within a short growing window, and the remaining stalks serve as nutritious livestock fodder, thereby enhancing whole-farm utility. They also can be used for making manure as well as mulching. Its suitability for inter-cropping and diversified cropping systems further increases its economic attractiveness, particularly in regions striving to address agricultural stagnation through crop diversification and alternative cash crops. For example, in between the rows of maize we can grow legumes like green gram, black gram etc.
Scope of Sweet Corn Cultivation in Manipur
India ranks as the seventh-largest global producer of maize, contributing significant share of 2.7 % to the world’s cereal economy. Beyond serving as a source of subsistence, the cultivation of sweet corn functions as a catalyst for rural economic transformation through the expansion of agro-based enterprises, including agribusiness and agro-industrial ventures. The North Eastern region of India encompasses a diverse climatic spectrum conducive to the cultivation of various cereal crops. Agricultural systems remain predominantly rice-based, with the exception of Sikkim; nevertheless, sweet corn has been steadily gaining significance in North Eastern region. Sweet corn has emerged as an important secondary crop in Manipur, valued both for its entrepreneurial potential and its dual-purpose utility as a raw material for food processing and livestock. Within Mani- pur, maize is primarily cultivated during the monsoon period on upland terraces, plateaus, and valley ecosystems.
Cultivation Practices of Sweet Corn
1. Site Selection for Cultivation
Sweet corn thrives best in well-drained, optimally deep, friable, and well-aerated loamy soils enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil reaction ranges from pH 5.8 to 6.8, and unobstructed exposure to intense solar radiation for a minimum of 6–8 hours daily is indispensable for vigorous growth. So, many of the fields in Manipur, sweet corn can be grown successfully.
2. Climate
Sweet corn is inherently a warm-season annual crop, highly susceptible to frost damage and vulnerable to physiological stress when subjected to extended exposure to low temperatures, even marginally above freezing. It can thrive in temperate climates with moderate to high rainfall. In Manipur condition, it can be grown thrice in a year in the same field.
3. Sowing Dates and Seasonal Variability
Sweet corn can be cultivated round the year across the tropics and subtropics. However, research suggests summer and kharif season is ideal for better physiological development, yield po- tential, and qualitative attributes of sweet corn. In winter its growth retards because of decreases in temperature and it leads to smaller cob size. In general, it can be grown successfully from March to September in Manipur condition.
4. Spacing for Sweet Corn
A spacing of 60x25 cm is recommended for field condition of Manipur to optimize efficient input utilisation. The calibration of plant density represents a critical agronomic factor that profoundly influences the yield potential, cob morphology, and economic viability of sweet corn cultivation
5. Field preparation
Afte harvesting of previous crop, ploughing should be done 3–4 times thoroughly. Clay soil requires more numbers of ploughing than sandy soils. If rotavator is available 1-2 times ploughing along with one time use of rotavator in clay soil results in good field condition for effective seed establishment. For superior drainage and enhanced root proliferation, cultivation on elevated ridges or raised beds measuring approximately 8–10 inches in height are strongly advocated in kharif season.
6. Nutrient Management
Prior to sowing, the incorporation of organic amendments such as decomposed Farm yard manure @10-15 tonper pari, and vermi compost @700-800 q per pari should be incorporated so that it can mix up properly before sowing. In addition to this peat humus, poultry manure, rotted straw, or other biologically derived sub-strates is highly beneficial for augmenting soil structure, aeration, and microbial dynamics.
If possible, farmer can also use Azotobacter or Azospirillum or any other effective microorganisms and mix it well with the available FYM or vermi-compost to attain a good quality manure. Before applying chemical fertilizer, farmer should pay attention in soil testing method to access nutrient status of the particular soil. If soil testing is not possible a generalize dose of primary nutrient is recommended to help the farmers i.e, 120:60:60 kg NPK per pari. Full dose of phosphorus and potassium and half dose of nitrogen as basal application is generally recommended at the time of final ploughing. Application of split- application strategies for remaining half part of nitrogen 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) is effective rather than administered as a singular dose. Such scheduling significantly enhances nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by synchronizing nutrient availability with plant uptake capacity, thereby diminishing volatilization, leaching, and runoff losses.
7. Weed management
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) frame- works incorporating harmonious combinations of cultural, mechanical, and chemical strategieshas expanded considerably in modern agricultural practices. Cultural and Mecha- nical interventions, including inter-row cultivation, mowing, and thermal weeding (flaming), have emerged as viable alternatives or supplements to chemical control, particularly within organic production systems where synthetic herbicides are prohibited. One hand weeding after twenty days of sowing can control weed efficiently.
In chemical weed control, both pre-emergence and post-emer- gence herbicides continue to be employed to suppress a broad spectrum of weed flora. The selection of herbicide type and dose is contingent on weed species composition, developmental stage, and prevailing environmental conditions. Pre emergence herbicide such asatrazine 50% @1.5 kg/Pari can be applied 2-3 days after sowing of seed but before emergence of crop. Post emergence herbicide such as Tembotrione 34.4% [email protected] lit can be applied per pari in the initial stage of crop growth.
8. Pest and disease management
Similarly to the traditional corn verities, sweet corn is also vulnerable to numerous pests including borer, fall army worm, stink bugs, aphids, and depredation by birds, but the maize army worm constitutes the most devastating threat. The pest’s life cycle involves oviposition on tender silks, followed by larval penetration into developing ears, causing severe consumption injury and facilitating fungal invasion.
Physiological defects such as poor kernel tip filling frequently arise from insect pressure, moisture stress, or extended periods of low solar radiation during pollination. Fungal disorders like damping-off, leaf blight, rusts, downy mildew, and smut can also afflict the crop. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as crop rotation, biological control, and chemical control, are typically used to manage these threats.
Cultural strategies including crop rotation, pest-resistant cultivar usage, and strategic sowing date adjustments stand out in disrupting pest life cycles and reducing pest pressure across seasons.
(To be contd)
Introduction
Sweet corn (Zea mays L. ssp. Saccharata Sturt.) constitutes a highly esteemed variant of maize that has experienced a substantial surge in demand, particularly within the rapidly expanding agricultural markets of developingnations. Botanically aligned with the Poaceae family, commonly recognized as the grass or cereal family, it traces its evolutionary lineage to an ancient wild grass native to the Balsa River basin in west-central Mexico. Favored by consumers for its distinctive sweetness, delicate flavour, and tender texture, sweet corn constitutes a genetically unique form of maize separate from field corn.Recent years have witnessed sweet corn emerge not solely as a lucrative crop but as a critical constituent in sustainable food production paradigms, attributable to its remarkable adaptability and rising consumer demand.
In the context of intensifying climate volatility, diminishing natural resour-ces, and intensifying nutri- tional challenges, an organized synthesis of contem- porary research is paramount to guiding technolo- gical innovation for a good economic return from sweet corn. Premium sweet corn commands high value within vegetable markets. Strategic agricultural initiatives directed toward the food-crop sector universally aspire to intensify production efficiency, thereby fostering national self-sufficiency in the provision of staple food resources.
Utility
Sweet corn possesses extraordinary commercial pro- mise, particularly where large-scale cultivation is supported by efficient post-harvest processing, packa- ging, and distribution infrastructure. Its marketing scope extends far beyond domestic boundaries and demonstrates significant competitiveness in international trade. Its versatility extends from boiling and steaming to roasting, and the kernels are widely used in an array of applications, including pizzas, salads, soups, and luxury culinary products such as syrups, jams, creams, and confectionery items. Beyond direct consumption, sweet corn also plays a prominent role in various cultural and industrial applications: immature kernels may be employed in candy manufacture, while mature grains can be milled to produce ‘pinnole’, a traditional confection, or fermented to prepare alcoholic beverages like ‘chicha’.
The crop also supports numerous industrial sectors by functioning as a raw material for the production of starch, glucose syrup, dextrose, dextrin, and a range of biochemical derivatives. With such multi- faceted applications, sweet corn represents a major export commodity with wide domestic utilization as well. It matures relatively early, enabling harvest within a short growing window, and the remaining stalks serve as nutritious livestock fodder, thereby enhancing whole-farm utility. They also can be used for making manure as well as mulching. Its suitability for inter-cropping and diversified cropping systems further increases its economic attractiveness, particularly in regions striving to address agricultural stagnation through crop diversification and alternative cash crops. For example, in between the rows of maize we can grow legumes like green gram, black gram etc.
Scope of Sweet Corn Cultivation in Manipur
India ranks as the seventh-largest global producer of maize, contributing significant share of 2.7 % to the world’s cereal economy. Beyond serving as a source of subsistence, the cultivation of sweet corn functions as a catalyst for rural economic transformation through the expansion of agro-based enterprises, including agribusiness and agro-industrial ventures. The North Eastern region of India encompasses a diverse climatic spectrum conducive to the cultivation of various cereal crops. Agricultural systems remain predominantly rice-based, with the exception of Sikkim; nevertheless, sweet corn has been steadily gaining significance in North Eastern region. Sweet corn has emerged as an important secondary crop in Manipur, valued both for its entrepreneurial potential and its dual-purpose utility as a raw material for food processing and livestock. Within Mani- pur, maize is primarily cultivated during the monsoon period on upland terraces, plateaus, and valley ecosystems.
Cultivation Practices of Sweet Corn
1. Site Selection for Cultivation
Sweet corn thrives best in well-drained, optimally deep, friable, and well-aerated loamy soils enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil reaction ranges from pH 5.8 to 6.8, and unobstructed exposure to intense solar radiation for a minimum of 6–8 hours daily is indispensable for vigorous growth. So, many of the fields in Manipur, sweet corn can be grown successfully.
2. Climate
Sweet corn is inherently a warm-season annual crop, highly susceptible to frost damage and vulnerable to physiological stress when subjected to extended exposure to low temperatures, even marginally above freezing. It can thrive in temperate climates with moderate to high rainfall. In Manipur condition, it can be grown thrice in a year in the same field.
3. Sowing Dates and Seasonal Variability
Sweet corn can be cultivated round the year across the tropics and subtropics. However, research suggests summer and kharif season is ideal for better physiological development, yield po- tential, and qualitative attributes of sweet corn. In winter its growth retards because of decreases in temperature and it leads to smaller cob size. In general, it can be grown successfully from March to September in Manipur condition.
4. Spacing for Sweet Corn
A spacing of 60x25 cm is recommended for field condition of Manipur to optimize efficient input utilisation. The calibration of plant density represents a critical agronomic factor that profoundly influences the yield potential, cob morphology, and economic viability of sweet corn cultivation
5. Field preparation
Afte harvesting of previous crop, ploughing should be done 3–4 times thoroughly. Clay soil requires more numbers of ploughing than sandy soils. If rotavator is available 1-2 times ploughing along with one time use of rotavator in clay soil results in good field condition for effective seed establishment. For superior drainage and enhanced root proliferation, cultivation on elevated ridges or raised beds measuring approximately 8–10 inches in height are strongly advocated in kharif season.
6. Nutrient Management
Prior to sowing, the incorporation of organic amendments such as decomposed Farm yard manure @10-15 tonper pari, and vermi compost @700-800 q per pari should be incorporated so that it can mix up properly before sowing. In addition to this peat humus, poultry manure, rotted straw, or other biologically derived sub-strates is highly beneficial for augmenting soil structure, aeration, and microbial dynamics.
If possible, farmer can also use Azotobacter or Azospirillum or any other effective microorganisms and mix it well with the available FYM or vermi-compost to attain a good quality manure. Before applying chemical fertilizer, farmer should pay attention in soil testing method to access nutrient status of the particular soil. If soil testing is not possible a generalize dose of primary nutrient is recommended to help the farmers i.e, 120:60:60 kg NPK per pari. Full dose of phosphorus and potassium and half dose of nitrogen as basal application is generally recommended at the time of final ploughing. Application of split- application strategies for remaining half part of nitrogen 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) is effective rather than administered as a singular dose. Such scheduling significantly enhances nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by synchronizing nutrient availability with plant uptake capacity, thereby diminishing volatilization, leaching, and runoff losses.
7. Weed management
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) frame- works incorporating harmonious combinations of cultural, mechanical, and chemical strategieshas expanded considerably in modern agricultural practices. Cultural and Mecha- nical interventions, including inter-row cultivation, mowing, and thermal weeding (flaming), have emerged as viable alternatives or supplements to chemical control, particularly within organic production systems where synthetic herbicides are prohibited. One hand weeding after twenty days of sowing can control weed efficiently.
In chemical weed control, both pre-emergence and post-emer- gence herbicides continue to be employed to suppress a broad spectrum of weed flora. The selection of herbicide type and dose is contingent on weed species composition, developmental stage, and prevailing environmental conditions. Pre emergence herbicide such asatrazine 50% @1.5 kg/Pari can be applied 2-3 days after sowing of seed but before emergence of crop. Post emergence herbicide such as Tembotrione 34.4% [email protected] lit can be applied per pari in the initial stage of crop growth.
8. Pest and disease management
Similarly to the traditional corn verities, sweet corn is also vulnerable to numerous pests including borer, fall army worm, stink bugs, aphids, and depredation by birds, but the maize army worm constitutes the most devastating threat. The pest’s life cycle involves oviposition on tender silks, followed by larval penetration into developing ears, causing severe consumption injury and facilitating fungal invasion.
Physiological defects such as poor kernel tip filling frequently arise from insect pressure, moisture stress, or extended periods of low solar radiation during pollination. Fungal disorders like damping-off, leaf blight, rusts, downy mildew, and smut can also afflict the crop. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as crop rotation, biological control, and chemical control, are typically used to manage these threats.
Cultural strategies including crop rotation, pest-resistant cultivar usage, and strategic sowing date adjustments stand out in disrupting pest life cycles and reducing pest pressure across seasons.
(To be contd)