RPCAU develops 3 maize varities suited for Bihar's conditions
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Patna: In a major stride for agricultural innovation, scientists at Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) have unveiled three new maize varieties poised to transform maize cultivation across eastern India.
The newly introduced varieties include, Rajendra Baby Corn-1 – a region-specific baby corn hybrid tailored for Bihar's agro-climatic conditions; Rajendra Pop Corn-1 – a high-yielding popcorn hybrid, and Shaktiman-5 – a biofortified quality protein maize.
Developed by the maize breeding team at Tirhut College of Agriculture (TCA), Dholi, Rajendra Baby Corn-1 is expected to offer a profitable and sustainable crop alternative for small and marginal farmers.
"Baby corn enjoys strong market demand, particularly in urban areas and food processing industries. However, a hybrid suited to Bihar's unique conditions was missing. Our aim was to bridge that gap," said maize scientist Ajay Kumar.
What makes this hybrid exceptional is its short growing duration and ready to harvest in just two months and its ability to produce 12 to 15 quintals per hectare of fresh baby corn, along with 200–300 quintals per hectare of green fodder, making it a dual-purpose crop.
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Experts believe that this innovation can significantly contribute to the state's goal of crop diversification, doubling farmers' income, and establishing agro-processing linkages. For farmers seeking quick returns, nutrition, and market potential, Rajendra Baby Corn-1 is not just a variety — it's an opportunity.
The Rajendra Pop Corn-1 variety is specially tailored for Bihar's agro-climatic conditions.
It offers farmers an attractive alternative to traditional grain maize, with the added advantage of tapping into the growing demand for packaged popcorn in urban markets.
This hybrid variety matures in just 80 to 90 days, making it suitable for Rabi and late Kharif seasons. It yields up to 30-40 quintals per hectare, outperforming several existing varieties. Most impressively, it boasts a popping expansion ratio of 34–36 cc/g and a popping percentage of over 95%, producing soft, butterfly-type flakes ideal for commercial sale.
The biofortified 'Shaktiman-5' variety offers a unique solution to a dual challenge faced in eastern India: protein malnutrition and low farm returns. It has been bred to contain elevated levels of lysine and tryptophan, essential amino acids often lacking in conventional maize. These nutrients are vital for human growth, immune function, and child development, particularly in regions where cereals dominate the diet.
Beyond its agronomic merits, Shaktiman-5 is aligned with key national priorities such as PoshanAbhiyan, the National Biofortification Mission, and the Public Distribution System (PDS). It as an ideal food for mid-day meal schemes, anganwadi nutrition programmes, and livestock feed improvement, said RPCAU vice-chancellor P S Pandey.
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