Spring maize farming thrives in Kanchanpur as farmers reap high yields from hybrid varieties

Kanchanpur: Farmers in Baiwaha of Beldandi Rural Municipality-3, Kanchanpur, are seeing promising returns from Basanta (spring) maize cultivation, with many reporting three to four pods on a single plant. Khadak Bahadur Chaudhary, who has been cultivating maize for the past five years, has earned between Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000 in just four months from cultivating the hybrid 1208 variety of Varnashankar maize.

Chaudhary, who planted maize on five kathas of land, noted that the hybrid variety yields 25 to 30 percent more than improved varieties. Planted in the first week of Falgun, the maize is ready for harvest by Jestha. Green maize is sold directly from the field between the 10th and 15th, while any unsold maize is later sold after ripening.

Another farmer, Shankar Chaudhary, mentioned that leftover corn stalks are cut using machines and mixed with chaff to feed goats, pigs, and buffaloes. Over 15 farmers in the area are currently cultivating spring maize on plots ranging from four to seven kathas. Since rice is cultivated immediately after the maize harvest, farmers have opted for short-duration maize varieties like 1280, Arun-2, and Arun-6 to fit into the crop cycle.

Ramlal Chaudhary, who earned Rs 80,000 from maize grown on five kathas of land last year, said the unexpectedly high income has encouraged him to continue spring maize cultivation this year. Most spring maize farmers in Baiwaha also raise goats, keeping between 10 and 22 animals per household.

To support their farming and livestock activities, many have taken loans from the Creative Cooperative Organization to raise goats and install boreholes for irrigation. Some have already repaid their loans through goat sales, while others are down to their final installment. The farmers are feeding green maize stalks and wheat straw to their livestock.

With corn plants spaced appropriately, farmers report ease in tilling, irrigating, and applying fertilizer. They are also consulting agricultural technicians for effective weed control and pest management. Encouraged by strong yields and good income, many farmers are planning to expand their spring maize cultivation in the coming seasons.