Importance of Maize in Pakistan
Introduction:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is Pakistan’s third most significant cereal crop after wheat and rice. Grown widely across the country, maize serves as a versatile source of food, animal feed, and industrial raw material.
As of 2024, maize is cultivated on over 4.20 million acres of land, producing approximately 237.5 million maunds annually (Ministry of National Food Security & Research, 2024). The crop plays a vital role in supporting the poultry, dairy, and starch industries, making it critical for food security and economic sustainability in Pakistan.
Climatic and Soil Requirements for Maize Agronomy in Pakistan
1. Agro-Climatic Zones
Pakistan’s varied climate supports maize cultivation in multiple regions:
| Zone | Area | Provinces |
| Rainfed | Potohar Plateau | Punjab, KPK |
| Irrigated | Central & Southern Punjab | Punjab, Sindh |
| Highland | Upland regions | KPK, AJK, GB |
2. Soil & Climate Preferences
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soils
- Temperature Range: 21°C to 27°C (optimal for germination)
- Rainfall Requirement: 500–800 mm
Crop Calendar and Sowing Seasons
| Season | Region | Sowing Period | Harvesting Period |
| Spring | Punjab, Sindh | February – March | June – July |
| Autumn | KPK, Balochistan | July – August | October – November |
Maize is grown twice annually in most regions, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contributing over 80% to total national production.
Popular Maize Varieties in Pakistan
Due to its adaptability, maize in Pakistan is cultivated in both spring and autumn seasons.
- Hybrids in Spring:DK 6321, DK 6317, DK 7074, P 1429, Shahkar, SD 3555, SD 3575 (High-yielding, commercial scale).
- Hybrids in Autumn: DK 8022,DK 8222, DK 8148, P 3875, P 4040, SD 626, SD 828, SD 36S46, NK 7720, NK 7530
- Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs): Azam, Sarhad White, Neelam (Resilient, for smallholders)
- Sweet Corn Varieties: Sugar 75, Suwan, PSEV-3 (Targeted for urban markets).
Maize Diseases in Pakistan and Their Management
Major Diseases
| Disease | Causal Agent | Symptoms |
| Turcicum Leaf Blight | Exserohilum turcicum | Elongated lesions on leaves |
| Downy Mildew | Peronosclerospora sorghi | Chlorosis, leaf deformation |
| Maydis Leaf Blight | Cochliobolus heterostrophus | Dark oval spots with yellow margins |
| Maize Streak Virus | Transmitted by leafhoppers | Yellow streaks, poor cob development |
Management Strategies
- Crop rotation (preferably with legumes)
- Use of certified, disease-resistant seed
- Timely fungicide application (e.g., Mancozeb, Propiconazole)
- Debris management and proper field hygiene
Fertilizer and Irrigation Practices
Efficient irrigation and fertilization practices can significantly increase the average yield of maize in Pakistan.
| Input | Recommended Dose (per acre) |
| Urea (N) | 100–120 kg |
| DAP (P) | 40–50 kg |
| SOP/MOP (K) | 25–30 kg |
Irrigation Schedule:
- Spring crop: 5–6 irrigations
- Autumn crop: 4–5 irrigations
- Critical stages: V6 (Growing Point), V8-V10, V12-V14, tasseling, silking, and grain filling
Pest Challenges in Maize Production
Fall Armyworm is the most destructive pest affecting Autumn maize in Pakistan.
- Stem Borer (Chilo partellus)
- Armyworm
- Corn Earworm
Control Measures:
- Biological: Trichogramma wasps
- Chemical: Use of safe insecticides like Cypermethrin
- Cultural: Early sowing, intercropping, resistant varieties
Harvesting, Yield, and Post-Harvest Losses
- Harvest Duration: 95–120 days after sowing
- Average Yield:
- Hybrids: 80–100 maunds per acre
- OPVs: 40–50 maunds per acre
Post-Harvest Losses: Up to 20% due to improper drying and storage
Solutions:
- Sun or solar drying
- Use of airtight metal bins
- Moisture testing before storage
Maize Value-Added Chain in Pakistan
Primary Uses
- Poultry Feed: ~65% of total maize produced
- Dairy Feed
- Corn Oil & Ethanol
- Starch Industry (e.g., Rafhan)
- Human Food: Corn flour, popcorn, cornflakes
Key Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Role |
| Farmers | Production of maize |
| Input Providers | Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides |
| Traders | Aggregators and transporters |
| Poultry Feed Mills | Hi-Tech, Jadeed, Asia Poultry |
| Industrial Processors | Rafhan Maize Products, Engro |
| Exporters | Focus on maize silage to Gulf markets |
| Research & Extension | NARC, PARC, Ayub Research Institute |
| NGOs/Projects | FAO, USAID (training, tech support) |
Government Support and Research
- Subsidized hybrid seed programs in Punjab and KPK
- Promotion of maize silage and mechanized farming
- Development of climate-resilient varieties
- Research programs under PARC and AARI continue to support the development of hybrid seeds and climate-resilient maize—efforts that align with broader strategies when we look at how agriculture in Pakistan compares with countries like the USA in terms of technology use and policy innovation.
Challenges in Maize Sector
- Limited access to hybrid seeds for smallholders
- Mechanization gap in sowing and harvesting
- Climate variability affecting yield in rainfed areas
- Weak market linkages and price volatility
- Inadequate storage and post-harvest facilities
Opportunities for Growth
- Silage export to Gulf states
- Promotion of high-value products (corn syrup, bio-ethanol)
- Public-private partnerships for hybrid seed development
- Wider adoption of precision agriculture tools
- Introduction of crop insurance and price protection
Conclusion
Maize in Pakistan is a rapidly expanding crop that supports not just the country’s food system but also its livestock and industrial sectors. By adopting better agronomic practices, improving access to technology and seed varieties, and developing a more integrated value-added chain, Pakistan can significantly enhance maize productivity and farmer incomes.
A collaborative approach involving farmers, government, researchers, and industry players is essential for tapping into maize’s full potential.