Corn Has Diverse Uses and Can Be Transformed Into Varied Products
Maize Based Products Compiled and Edited by Dr Shruti Sethi, Principal Scientist & Dr. S. K. Jha, Principal Scientist & Professor Division of Food Science and Postharvest Technology ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa New Delhi 110012 Maize is also known as Corn or Makka in Hindi. It is one of the most versatile crops having adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Globally, it is known as queen of cereals due to its highest genetic yield potential among the cereals. In India, Maize is grown throughout the year. It is predominantly a kharif crop with 85 per cent of the area under cultivation in the season. The United States of America (USA) is the largest producer of maize contributing about 36% of the total production. Production of maize ranks third in the country after rice and wheat. About 26 million tonnes corn was produced in 2016-17 from 9.6 Mha area. The country exported 3,70,066.11 MT of maize to the world for the worth of Rs. 1,019.29 crores/ 142.76 USD Millions in 2019-20. Major export destinations included Nepal, Bangladesh Pr, Myanmar, Pakistan Ir, Bhutan The corn kernel has highest energy density (365 kcal/100 g) among the cereals and also contains vitamins namely, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (niacin), B3 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6. Although maize kernels contain many macro and micronutrients necessary for human metabolic needs, normal corn is inherently deficient in two essential amino acids, viz lysine and tryptophan. Maize is staple food for human being and quality feed for animals.
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