MAIZE

Grain cropping is one of the important aspects of cropping because grains like wheat, rice, and maize are mostly consumed by people like their food to survive. Maize is one of the well-known crops in the cropping industry. People tend to consume maize as a staple food in a lot of geographical regions. It is also known by the name of corn. Corns are consumed in India in a huge amount. There are lots of recipes made out of this grain. It can also be said that there are larger varieties of maize available. Not only this, but it is also used for making starch, flour, and also oil is processed out of this cereal grain. It is one of the leading cereal crops and comes under the third rank of cereal growing. Moreover, it can be said that not only in India, oyster countries like America, Brazil, and China also grow these crops. America consumes it as their staple food. 

Cultivation of Maize as a staple crop

Maize or also known as (Z-Mays L) is one of the most adaptable and flexible crops which can be grown anywhere in a variety of agro-climatic conditions. It is also known as the queen of cereal because it has the potential of the highest yielding capacity. The cultivation of this grain is done in countries having wider soil diversity and management facilities which can contribute to the level of 36% in grain production. In the United States, the cultivation of Maize is the most important because it provides a total production of 35 % across the globe.

 The United States staple crop is also considered to be Maize. In about 22. 23 tones the cultivation of Maize occurs in India. This results in the contribution of 9%in the national basket of food. Maize not only acts as a staple food for human beings and animals, however, it also helps in contributing as raw materials for the production of raw materials like starch, protein, oil, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceutical industry cosmetic industry, and many, more industries. As this crop is intolerant, therefore the plantation procedure for this crop must be done in the spring season. The plant is dependent upon soil moisture as the root of this plant is shallow. 

Benefits of maize Consumption

• Consumption of maize can help in the prevention of hemorrhoids.

• It helps in the promotion of growth and development.

• It helps in the provision of minerals.

• The weight also increases with the consumption of maize.

• It is good for the heart and also helps in preventing anemia.

• This grain as food is rich in fiber and also rich in vitamins and minerals which are necessary for the body. 

Varieties of maize

There are six varieties of maize, and they are- 

• Dent corn

• Flint Corn

• Pod corn

• Popcorn

• Flour corn 

• Sweet corn 

Use of maize

Sugar-rich corn is cultivated for human consumption. They are generally known as kernels. On the other hand, the varieties of field corn are used for the procedure of feeding the animals. In addition, it is also used for human food. This procedure includes grinding the corn into pressed oil, corn meals also known as masa. It is also used for the process of distillation and fermentation, for the process of preparing alcoholic beverages like whisky. On the other hand, it is also used for chemical feedstock. In addition to this, it is also helpful in the preparation of biofuels and ethanol. 

Why is knowledge about maize important for WBPSC?

The knowledge of maize crops is an important aspect while preparing for WBPSC because the public services commission is such a sector where there is a requirement of huge scope and direction. Starting from the history to the geography of all the factors and forces which are actually influencing the diversity of the state; the country needs to be known. The understanding of all the factors and forces of the environment can make a WBPSC applicant more responsible and meritorious.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that Maize is one of the important crops grown across the world. The cultivation of this crop accounts for 80 % of land consumption in India. One of the important crops is considered to be maize because this is easier and more flexible to adapt in the harvesting procedure. After the cultivation of wheat and rice, corn is the third-largest grown crop in India. There are six varieties of maize and each variety is used for different purposes. The importance of understanding this crop can be beneficial for the public services commission applicants because this is one of the important aspects of studying geography. Further, it can be said that corn is used for a huge variety of uses. It also consists of many benefits as it is rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins which are important for the body.