Biofortified Maize Varieties: A Nutritious, Sustainable, and Profitable Choice for Farmers

Maize, also known as corn, is a staple crop in many parts of the world. In India, it plays a crucial role in both human consumption and livestock feed. Recent advancements in agricultural research have led to the development of several high-yield maize hybrids, rich in essential nutrients like lysine and tryptophan. These hybrids not only offer better nutritional value but also adapt well to various climatic conditions, making them ideal for diverse regions across the country. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biofortified maize hybrids developed by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and their unique benefits.

1. Vivek QPM 9 (Hybrid)

Vivek QPM 9 is a maize hybrid developed by ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora. It is specifically bred to be rich in lysine (4.19% in protein) and tryptophan (0.83% in protein), which are significantly higher than those found in popular hybrids. This variety is highly suitable for the Kharif season in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and several states in the South and North-East. The crop matures in 88 days and has a grain yield of 52.0 quintals per hectare. Released in 2008, Vivek QPM 9 has since become a reliable choice for farmers in these regions.

2. Pusa HM4 Improved (Hybrid)

Another notable hybrid is Pusa HM4 Improved, developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Released in 2017, this maize variety stands out with its lysine content of 3.62% and tryptophan content of 0.91% in protein, making it far superior to traditional hybrids. The crop matures in 87 days and yields 64.2 quintals per hectare. It is well-adapted to the Kharif season in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh.

3. Pusa HM8 Improved (Hybrid)

Released in 2017 by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa HM8 Improved is designed for regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This hybrid offers a grain yield of 62.6 quintals per hectare and matures in 95 days. It is enriched with 4.18% lysine and 1.06% tryptophan in protein, making it a highly nutritious option for both human and livestock consumption.

4. Pusa HM9 Improved (Hybrid)

Pusa HM9 Improved, another innovation from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, was also released in 2017. This hybrid is specifically tailored for the Kharif season in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. With a grain yield of 52.0 quintals per hectare and a maturity period of 89 days, it is an efficient and adaptable variety. The lysine content is 2.97%, and the tryptophan content is 0.68% in protein.

5. Pusa Vivek QPM9 Improved (Hybrid)

Pusa Vivek QPM9 Improved is India’s first provitamin-A rich maize, developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Released in 2017, this variety is a game-changer with 8.15 ppm provitamin-A, 2.67% lysine, and 0.74% tryptophan in protein. It is suitable for the Kharif season in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the North-East, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This hybrid matures in 93 days in Northern Hill Zones and 83 days in Peninsular Zones, with a grain yield ranging from 55.9 to 59.2 quintals per hectare.

6. Pusa VH 27 Improved (Hybrid)

Released in 2020, Pusa VH 27 Improved is another provitamin-A rich maize hybrid, developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute. It is specifically adapted for the Kharif season in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. With a maturity period of 84 days and a grain yield of 48.5 quintals per hectare, this variety offers 5.49 ppm provitamin-A, making it a nutritious choice for consumers.

7. Pusa HQPM 5 Improved (Hybrid)

Pusa HQPM 5 Improved is a versatile hybrid suitable for Kharif cultivation across the country. Released in 2020, this maize offers high nutritional value with 6.77 ppm provitamin-A, 4.25% lysine, and 0.94% tryptophan in protein. It matures between 88 to 111 days, depending on the region, and yields range from 51.2 to 75.1 quintals per hectare.

8. Pusa HQPM 7 Improved (Hybrid)

Another high-performing hybrid, Pusa HQPM 7 Improved, was released in 2020 by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute. It is particularly suited to the Kharif season in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. With a grain yield of 74.5 quintals per hectare and a maturity period of 97 days, it is enriched with 7.10 ppm provitamin-A, 4.19% lysine, and 0.93% tryptophan in protein.

9. IQMH 201 (LQMH 1) (Hybrid)

Developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, IQMH 201 (LQMH 1) is tailored for the Kharif season in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-East. This hybrid, released in 2020, boasts a grain yield of 84.8 quintals per hectare and a maturity period of 101 days. It is rich in lysine (3.03% in protein) and tryptophan (0.73% in protein).

10. IQMH 202 (LQMH 2) (Hybrid)

Released in 2020, IQMH 202 (LQMH 2) is another promising hybrid from ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research. It is best suited for the Kharif season in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western Uttar Pradesh, and the plains of Uttarakhand. With a grain yield of 72.0 quintals per hectare and a maturity period of 96 days, this hybrid is a reliable choice for farmers.

11. IQMH 203 (LQMH 3) (Hybrid)

IQMH 203 (LQMH 3) is a hybrid maize variety developed for the Kharif season in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Released in 2020, this variety yields 63.0 quintals per hectare and matures in 90 days. It is enriched with 3.48% lysine and 0.77% tryptophan in protein, offering both nutritional value and resilience.

These maize hybrids, developed by ICAR, offer farmers across India a range of options that are not only high-yielding but also rich in essential nutrients. By choosing these varieties, farmers can contribute to better nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and get higher profits. Whether you're cultivating in the hills of the North or the plains of the South, there's a hybrid maize variety designed to thrive in your region, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a healthier future.