Maize with with the botanical name (zea mays) is the of the grass family (gramineae). It is originated from the south and central America. It was introduced to west Africa by the Portuguese in the 10th century. Maize is one of the most important grains in Nigeria. Not only on the basis of cultivation, but also in it's economic value, maize is a major important cereal crop being cultivated in the rainforest and the derived Savannah zone of Nigeria.
In 2019, Nigeria was African second largest maize production after south Africa and the 14th largest production globally. Record has shown that Kaduna is the top region by production of maize.
Maize has long be known as diet for centuries, it start from a substitute crop and has gradually become a commercial crop on which many agrobase industry depend on as a raw material. It is highly yielding, easy to process, readily digest and cost less than other cereals.
There are so many varieties of maize that exists and also have different colours, texture, grain, shape and size. White, yellow, and red are the most common cultivated maize types. In Nigeria pioneer hybrid maize seed has been tag as the highest yielding hybrid variety in Nigeria. Pioneer hybrid maize seed is fairly new hybrid maize variety. It was introduced into Nigeria by flourmills plc. Since the introduction of this hybrid maize variety so many farmers have embrace it.
In the early season, in the forest zone, optimum planting date is between 15 March to 1 April although planting could be done due to rainfall. In the Savannah zone, planting is done as soon as the rainfall become steady, between 1- 30 April. In the forest ecology of the southern Nigeria, professional recommend that farming in the first season should plant in mid- March through April after the r ain has established food soil moisture. In the second season, farmers should be in the late July through mid- August. However maize planting is done according to the rainfall in each geopolitical zone.
Back in the days,we use to have one in my father’s house. Interestingly, we did not make much money from it,
after harvesting, we would eat and eat until our stomach can take no more. Of course, we share to our friends and families also.
Wow... But thanks to the researchers, food technologies that has modified a system where maize can be used in other way other than roasting and boiling. Maize has been brought into the labour market for buying and selling which in turn brings money to the farmers.
Generally maize has been as source of income and food both to individuals, society, and the nation as well.
