New Maize variety GAYHM-I developed in Gujarat to double the crop production

An Anand Agriculture University (AAU) official said here, that a new hybrid seed variety of maize, Gujarat Anand Yellow Hybrid Maize-I (GAYHM), has been developed, which has a potential to more than double the crop production in tribal belts of the state. It was developed by AAU's research station at Godhra.

GAYHM-I is suitable for sowings during kharif season under rain fed conditions in North and central Gujarat which are predominantly a maize growing belt in the state covering tribal areas. 

Maize being a most cultivated cash crop in Gujarat, is largely grown by farmers in tribal dominant districts like Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Panchmahal, Dahod, and also cultivated in districts like Mehsana, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara and Patan. The average acreage under maize in Gujarat is pegged at around 4.23 lakh hectares, while annual production of the crop is estimated to be around 6 lakh tonnes.

The GAYHM-I variety is rich in Lysine (an essential amino acid) and is touted to be a source of rich protein diet for the tribals, who are its major consumers. 

AAU Director Research K B Katheria said, "In a first, a hybrid of yellow colour variety maize has been released, which gives 13 per cent higher yield as compared to High Quality Protein Maize-I (HQPM), a hybrid developed at Hissar in Haryana and recommended for Gujarat," and, "The average production of maize with pre-dominantly used varieties is around 1,439 kg per hectare, whereas the new hybrid variety GAYHM-I has the potential of up to 4,000 kg per hectare yield," he said.

This new hybrid seed variety of maize has also got the approval by the state level research council, said officials. "It will first have to pass a few more requisite clearances. It can be made available to the farmers only by next year," Katheria added. Gujarat Maize(GM)-II and HQPM-I are the two predominant seed varieties existing in the state.

"As compared to GM-II, the new hybrid has potential to give 24 per cent higher yield. GAYHM-I is an early maturing variety, say between 80-85 days, compared to any other usual variety which takes 100-120 days," Katheria said.

"Lysine, an essential amino acid required for human body, is available up to 2.85 per cent in protein of this maize, which is higher compared to other variety," he said, adding that it is a good source of protein for the tribals. "The yellow grain variety of maize is widely used as poultry feed too as its colour is linked to beta-carotene, which potentially can improve directly the yoke quality of the egg," Katheria said. 

The agri varsity had released Gujarat Anand White Hybrid Maize-II in last year, to enhance productivity. "But, compared to white, yellow colour maize is more popular in Gujarat as it has wider application," he said.