Interacting with farmers on a visit to a hybrid corn trial site organised by Monsanto Pakistan, experts said the corn crop had higher per acre yield compared to other crops.
Giving example of hybrid maize, introduced in the 1990s, they said farmers gradually shifted to the hybrid seed as it gave greater yield, from a mere 30 maunds per acre to 80-120 maunds.
Most farmers, however, failed to get the desired production, the cause of which was substandard hybrid seed and old farming practices.
“The application of best quality hybrid seed is important because weather patterns are changing, and farmers need seeds that can cope with harsh weather conditions, fit in changing crop rotations and most of all, provide much-needed economic benefits to farmers,” an expert said.
Monsanto Pakistan Commercial Operations Lead Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem informed the farmers that at least 8 to 10 years were needed to develop a corn hybrid.
Maize is a multipurpose crop. It is consumed as food by people and also produces edible oil. In addition to these, it is used in cereal products and is consumed by the starch industry and livestock feed producers.
Around 600 corn farmers belonging to different areas of Punjab, including Okara, Deepalpur, Sahiwal, Kasur, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Gojra, participated in the on-field event.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2014.
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