National
UP Government Aims to Double Maize Production by 2027
In support of this initiative, the Yogi Adityanath administration has launched the ‘Rapid Maize Development Scheme’ to provide comprehensive assistance to maize farmers. For the fiscal year 2023-24, a budget allocation of Rs 27.68 crore has been designated to further this effort.
The UP government is dedicated to boosting farmers’ incomes and promoting their prosperity. To facilitate this, the entire state is now part of the Rapid Maize Development Programme, offering a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per quintal on all maize seed varieties, including hybrid, desi popcorn, baby corn, and sweet corn. Given the increasing demand for these crops, particularly in tourist areas, the government is actively encouraging their cultivation. Additionally, agricultural scientists are conducting workshops across the state to educate farmers on enhancing maize production techniques.
A recent statewide workshop held in Lucknow focused on strategies to maximize benefits for farmers under this initiative, reinforcing the government’s commitment to agricultural development and rural prosperity. Currently, maize is grown on approximately 8.30 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, yielding about 21.16 lakh metric tonnes annually, making it the state’s third most significant crop after wheat and paddy. The Indian Maize Research Institute, affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, is collaborating with the state government to enhance maize production and support farmers.
The government aims to double maize output by 2027, acknowledging its versatility and increasing demand, particularly for ethanol production. Maize, a highly adaptable crop, can thrive in all three seasons—Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid—and is suitable for various soil types with proper drainage.
Beyond its role as a staple food, maize has numerous industrial applications, from grain-based ethanol production to poultry and animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, paper, and alcoholic beverages. It is also consumed in various forms, including flour, baby corn, and popcorn, serving as a key ingredient in many processed foods. With rising demand, maize farming offers significant opportunities for growers.
To optimize farmer benefits, the government is actively increasing awareness about maize cultivation, introducing advanced farming techniques, and improving the seed replacement rate for enhanced yields. To ensure fair pricing, maize has been included in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, safeguarding farmers’ earnings and promoting higher production levels.
In addition to its economic advantages, maize is richly nutritious, containing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, making it crucial in the fight against malnutrition. Its nutritional value has earned maize the title of the ‘Queen of Cereals.’
Experts predict that with advanced agricultural practices, maize yields could reach up to 100 quintals per hectare. Currently, Tamil Nadu holds the highest average yield of 59.39 quintals per hectare, while the national average is 26 quintals. In Uttar Pradesh, the maize yield for the 2021-22 period was 21.63 quintals per hectare, indicating significant potential for improvement.
One notable challenge in maize farming is the 30% moisture content in freshly harvested crops, which makes them vulnerable to fungal infections without proper drying facilities. To combat this, the government is offering subsidies for dryer machines, providing Rs 12 lakh off a Rs 15 lakh machine to ensure proper drying and storage of maize. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 10,000 is available for popcorn processing machines, alongside subsidies for other equipment related to maize sowing and processing.
To further boost productivity, the state government also conducts training programs for progressive farmers. Selected individuals are sent to the Indian Maize Research Institute to learn modern farming techniques aimed at improving maize cultivation efficiency.
Farmers are encouraged to select high-yield maize varieties suited to their agro-climatic regions to maximize production. Typically, maize matures in 80-120 days, depending on the variety and conditions, but can be harvested in just 60 days for popcorn, providing a quicker, more profitable option for farmers.
Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.
The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.
Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.
Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.
The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.
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Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
The investigation is underway.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.
“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.
Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.
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He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.
PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”
Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.
Gandhidham: India has taken a major step towards green shipping with the foundation stone laid for the country’s first port-based e-methanol production facility at Kandla in Gujarat.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) on Saturday.
The Rs.2,300-crore project is a joint initiative of the Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. The plant will produce 150 tonnes of e-methanol every day using renewable power, water and biogenic carbon dioxide.
E-methanol is considered a cleaner alternative fuel for the shipping sector. The facility will supply green fuel to ships operating on the Asia-Europe trade route.
The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will have a production capacity of 50 tonnes per day and involve an investment of Rs.1,200 crore. It is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The second phase will add another 100 tonnes per day at an estimated cost of Rs.1,100 crore. It is targeted for completion by March 2027.
The Deendayal Port Authority will hold a 76 per cent share in the project, while Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd will have a 24 per cent stake. DPA will provide Rs.567.32 crore as equity, along with 75 acres of land, desalinated water and renewable energy support.
The project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs. It will also support activities such as transportation, storage and supply of green fuel around Kandla.
Speaking at the event, Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat’s coastline would play an important role in supplying green energy to the world. He described Kandla as a future gateway for India’s green energy exports.
Sarbananda Sonowal said the project marked another step in India’s growing maritime ambitions. He said Kandla could develop into a major green-fuel hub on the Singapore–Rotterdam shipping route.
Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam would contribute to India’s clean energy transition through its natural resources and industrial strength. He described the project as an example of cooperation between Assam and Gujarat.
The facility is expected to support India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It is also linked to the government’s focus on energy self-reliance and the Make in India initiative.
The government is also working to strengthen India’s maritime sector. It has set a target of adding 100 new ships to the country’s merchant fleet over the next five years.
Several other maritime projects are also being developed in Gujarat, including a Rs.1,520-crore shipbuilding project at Vadinar and a proposed shipbuilding and repair cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar.
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Kutch MP Vinod Chavda, Gandhidham MLA Maltiben Kishor Maheshwari, Assam government representatives, officials of Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd and DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh were among those present at the foundation stone ceremony.
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