Productivity and profitability of maize (Zea mays) cultivars under organic management condition in mid-hills of Sikkim

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during pre-rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Research Farm of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim to evaluate the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars under organic management condition. Twelve cultivars of maize, viz. ‘Seti Makkai’, ‘Pahenlo Makkai’, ‘Rato Makkai’, ‘Baiguni Makkai’, ‘Kalo Makkai’, ‘Satheya’, ‘RCM 1–1’, ‘RCM 1–3’, ‘RCM–75’ and ‘Vivek Sankul 31’, ‘Vivek Sankul 37’ and ‘Vivek Sankul 35’ were evaluated under organic management system in randomized complete block design. The results showed that cultivar ‘Seti Makkai’ recorded significantly maximum plant height (305 cm) as compared to the other cultivars. The highest dry-matter accumulation (81 g/plant) was registered under ‘Rato Makkai’ which was significantly superior to that of remaining cultivars. The maximum leaf-area index was recorded under ‘Vivek Sankul 35’ (4.35) as compared to the other cultivars. The minimum days required to 50% flowering (61 days) was noticed under ‘Vivek Sankul 35’. As compared to the other cultivars, the maximum cob length (16.7 cm) was recorded under ‘RCM 1-1’. ‘Vivek Sankul 31’ registered significantly higher cob girth (13.4 cm) than the others. Number of rows/cob (12.9) was significantly higher in ‘Vivek Sankul 35’ than the remaining cultivars. Maximum number of grains/row was registered in ‘Kalo Makkai’ (36.8). The highest grain yield (3.97 t/ha) and economic benefits were recorded with ‘Vivek Sankul 35’ as compared to the remaining cultivars. Short- duration maize cultivar ‘Vivek Sankul 35’ was found most promising in terms of productivity and profitability and may be recommended for cultivation by farmers of Sikkim Himalayas and similar agroecoregions under organic production system.