A. Maize does well on a wide range of soil types, but the best yields are obtained from well-drained, aerated, and fertile soils. Good land preparation (liming, ploughing, harrowing) is necessary for successful crop establishment and yield optimisation. 

A. Start with the right variety. Good quality seeds increase yield by 20 to 25%. Select high-yielding hybrids with superior traits that are well suited to your agro-ecological zone. Choose the right variety for a bumper harvest. Being a successful farmer begins with selecting the right hybrid.

Weed and Pest Control 

It is important to keep maize fields weed-free as weeds tend to compete with the plant for nutrients, sunlight, and water, which negatively impacts yield. Regular and timely weeding of the field, especially at the early stage of growth, is important to enabling adequate plant establishment. Weeding can be done manually or with the use of chemicals. The Fall Armyworm, among other pests of maize, is proving to be a menacing pest that threatens farmer productivity and the food surplus drive. Farmers should scout fields every 2-3 days and make spraying decisions early and with the appropriately registered pesticide.

.

A. SC 651

A. The time of planting has a major effect on the yield of maize crops. It is therefore advisable that planting be done as soon as the rains are established. However, optimal planting dates for major ecological zones fall within the following ranges: for Sudan savanna; first- the second week of July, Northern Guinea Savanna: last week in June to the first week in July, Southern Guinea Savanna: mid-May to the second week in June.

A. Apply a recommended rate of 6-8 bags of NPK fertiliser per hectare. This is best applied at planting or 10-14 days after planting as a basal treatment. That is 8 grammes per plant or the full measure of a Coca-Cola PET bottle cap.

2-3 bags of urea are applied 4-6 weeks after planting. Urea is usually split and applied where the soil is sandy and rainfall is heavy. Ensure the field is weed free before fertiliser application. 

A. harvest at the right moisture content, when the silk has turned brown and the grain is dry enough. Harvesting should be done properly to minimise post-harvest losses and to ensure a bumper yield. Harvesting can be done manually by plucking the cob from the plants or using a mechanical harvester.

N: B Ensure that your seed bags have the authentic Seed Co logo and a government-approved label. Ensure that you purchase your seed from accredited Seed Co seed dealers.