TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MAIZE PRODCUTION ...................................... 3
1.1 Water Requirements ........................................................................................ 5
1.2 Characteristics of Maize .................................................................................. 6
1.3 Uses of Maize .................................................................................................. 6
1.4 Pest Management in maize Farming ............................................................... 7
2.0 PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF MAIZE................................................. 7
3.0 CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFITS OF MAIZE VALUE CHAIN ......... 7
4.0 PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND PATTERNS ............................................. 8
4.1 Planting Operation: ......................................................................................... 9
4.2 Fertilizer Application (Ring or Side dressing) ................................................ 9
5.0 ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF MAIZE FOR ONE
PRODUCTION CYCLE OF 3 MONTHS .................................................. 9
6.0 PROCESSING ACTIVITIES / PRACTICE ............................................. 11
7.0 MARKETING CHANNELS ....................................................................... 11
8. 0 VALUE CHAIN CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS IN MAIZE
PRODUCTION IN DELTA STATE. ........................................................ 12
9.0 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES IN MAIZE
PRODUCTION IN DELTA STATE ......................................................... 13
10.0 MAIZE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (M.A.A.N) (DELTA STATE
CHAPTER) .................................................................................................. 15
10.1 Objective / Mandate ...................................................................................... 16
REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 16
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1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MAIZE PRODCUTION
Maize ( Zea mays) originates in the Andean region of Central America, it is
one of the most important cereal both for human and animal consumption and is
grown for grains and forage. Present World production is about 594 million tons
grain from about 139 million Ha (FAOSTAT 2000).
The crop is grown in climate ranging from temperate to tropic during the
period when mean daily temperatures are above 15 degrees and frost - free ;
adaptability of varieties in different climates varies widely. Successful cultivation
markedly depends on the right choice of varieties so that the length of growing
period of the crop matches length of the growing season and the purpose for which
the crop is to be grown. Variety selection trials to identify the best suitable varieties
for given area are frequently necessary. When mean daily temperature during the
growing season are greater than 20 Degree early grain varieties of 80 to 110 days
and medium varieties 110 to 140 days to mature. When grown as a vegetable these
varieties are 15 to 20 days shorter; when mean daily temperature are below 20
degree, there is an extension in days to maturity of 10 to 20 days for each. 0.5 degree
decreased depending on variety and at 1.5 degree the maize grain crop takes 200 to
300 days to mature with mean daily temperature of 10-15degree ; Maize is mostly
grown as a forage crop because of the problem of the seed set and grain maturity
under cool conditions.
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For germination the lowest mean daily temperature is about 10 degree with
18 to 20 degree being optimum. The crop is very sensitive to frost particularly in the
seedling stage but it tolerates hot and dry atmosphere conditions so long as sufficient
water is available to the plant and temperature are below 45 degree. Temperature
requirements expressed as sum of mean daily temperature for medium varieties are
2500 to 3000 degree days, while early varieties require about 1800 and late varieties
3700 or more degree days. In-respects of day’s length, maize consider to be either a
day neutral or a short day plant. The growth of maize is very responsive to radiation
; However, Five Or Six leaves near the cob are the source of assimilation for grain
filling and light must penetrate to these leaves for Optimum light interception,
For grain production, the density index number of plants per ha / row spacing
varies but on average, it is about 150 for the large late varieties and about 500 for
the small early varieties. Also sowing methods and spacing vary and fertility and
water are decisive factors in choosing the optimum density in relation to light
interception and highest yield. Spacing between rows varies between 0.6 and 1
meters, sowing dept. is 5 to 7 Centimeter with 1 or more seeds per sowing point.
The maize plant does well on most soils but less on very heavy dense clay
and very sandy soils, the soil should preferable be well aerated and well drained as
the crop is susceptible to water logging, The fertility demands for grain maize are
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relatively high and amount, for high producing varieties up to about 200kg/ ha N, 50
to 80 kg / ha. P and 60 to 100kg/ ha K.
In general the crop can be grown continuously as long as soil fertility is maintained.
1.1 Water Requirements
Maize is an efficient user of water in terms of total dry matter production and among
cereals, it is potentially the highest yielding grain crop for maximum production; a
medium maturity grain crop requires between 500 and 800mm of water depending
on the climates. More than 300 million Africans depends on maize as the main staple
food crop- All parts of the crop can be used for food and non-food product.
Some recommended varieties of maize species for use by the Delta State
ministry of Agriculture and natural Resources such as: TZSR-W, TZSR-Y TZESR-
Y, TZESR-W, DMRSR-Y, DMRSR-W and Hybrid and it required a well-drained
fertile soil to thrive well.
Maize is planted between March to the end of April for early planting while
late planting start in August and end by first week of September. A germination test
can be conducted before planting to know the viability of the seed. Seeds with
germination percentage of 90 and above is very good and also seed with germination
percentage below 60 is not recommended.
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1.2 Characteristics of Maize
Maize ( Zea-mays ) is a tall deep rooted warm weather annual grass, A single
long stalk well develop from seed, Long smooth leaves are attached at the stern
nodes; seeds producing shoots originate from base of the main stern.
1.3 Uses of Maize
i. Use for production of Akamu “Ogi”
ii. Production of Agidi.
iii. Corn flour as a replacement of wheat and it is used to make corn bread. It can
be mashed in hot water to form a paste and eaten with nice delicious soup.
iv. Preparation of maize starch (Ogi)
v. Preparation of Maize Flour: Maize is a very important ingredient in the
manufacture of livestock feeds. About 50% of total ingredients in poultry
Feed is made up of maize/kg crude protein. In addition maize serve also as
feed when used as fodder or silage though with lower energy supply.
vi. Industrial uses of maize several hundred of industrials product are derived
from maize. Some of the products are as follows – High fructose corn syrup,
Ethanol packing and insulating material Adhesives, Filler for plastic,
Insulating materials, chemical and pharmaceuticals paints, paste, dyes etc.
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1.4 Pest Management in maize Farming
Maize is commonly infected by two insect pest
I. Stem borer (Buseola Fusca)
II. Army worm (spodoptera exempta)
These are the most destructive pest affecting maize production
Grain yield:- In southern rain forest belt of Nigeria grain yield is estimated
between 2.0 and 3.5/ha depending on level of management and variety. In Northern
savannah grain yield is between 4.0 and 7.5/ha
2.0 PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF MAIZE
Maize is among the most important arable crops in Delta State. Besides
human consumption, maize has a large potential for agro-industrialization because
of its huge demand for the manufacture of animal feeds, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic
beverages. Maize production takes place in all the LGAs of the State. However,
current state production capacity is hugely inadequate to meet the estimated state
demand of more than 600,000 metric tons annually.
3.0 CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFITS OF MAIZE VALUE CHAIN
A (i) Direct employment for farmers through empowerment programme (either
Loans or grants
(ii) Indirect jobs created in the industries through employment
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B (i) It increases their standard of living through enhanced income
ii It increases the profit margin of the value chain operators
C (i) it increases income and wealth creation
(ii) it increases their standard of living
(iii) It moves them above poverty line
D Maize grains serves as raw material for the production of the following
(i) Production of Flour (Maize Flour) for the bakery to produce bread
(ii) For the production of corn-flakes
(iii) For the production of confectionaries and production of Custard
E The state government generates its revenue (IGR) through the government
approved agency such as produce and quality control office
F Maize production provides another opportunity for economic growth apart
from crude-oil
4.0 PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND PATTERNS
(a) Maize is produced across the 3 senatorial districts of Delta State
(b) Types and pattern of production –
Land clearing and preparation, Tractorization of land is done through ploughing and
harrowing process. This is for easy penetration pf the growing shoots and roots; this
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process is followed by application of herbicides to smoothen the seeds of weed
embedded in the soil
4.1 Planting Operation: The use of hybrid seeds or improved varieties is
adopted because they are high yield, although average yield of 4tons /Ha and disease
resistance, the planting is done either 75cm by 50cm or 75cm by 25cm, between and
within rows. Two plants per-hole requires 75cm by 50cm requires 75cm by 25cm.
Maize is either planted on the floor or along ridges, it has maturity period of 3 months
or 90 days and 25kg is needed to plant /ha
4.2 Fertilizer Application (Ring or Side dressing) Use of N.P.K at the rate of
200kg-250kg is adopted for already concentrated land, this is twice till maturity.
5.0 ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF MAIZE FOR ONE
PRODUCTION CYCLE OF 3 MONTHS
S/N Description of Items Qty Unit Cost (N) Amount N
1. Land preparation - - 50,000
Clearing/(Tractorzation)
2. Hybrid maze seeds (N500/kg) 25kg/ha 500 12,500
3. Planting 5mdys 2,000 10,000
4. Herbicide 4litres 2,000 8,000
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5. Insecticide (against Army worm 2litres 3,000 6,000
caterpillar) Attack
6. Fertilizer (NPK) 4bags 6,500 26,000
7. Weeding 5mdys 2,000 10,000
8. Harvesting/bagging 6mdys 2,000 12,000
Total variable cost 134,500
9. Harvested yield/sale/ha 3tonnes 70,000/tons
Total revenue 210,000
GM = TR – TVC = 210,000-134,500
GM = N75, 500 (3months maize production)
GM% = TVC x 100
TR = 75,500 x 100
210,000 = 36%
GM% =36%
a. Output and productivity levels is 3 tons/ha
b. Enterprise Cost return analysis.
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GM = TR – TVC = 210,000 – 134,500
GM = 75,500 (Profit for 3 months Maize production)
GM % = TVCX100 = 75,500X100 = 36%
TR 210,000
6.0 PROCESSING ACTIVITIES / PRACTICE
Use of the following equipment’s
(i) Maize Sheller to remove grains from cob
(ii) Storage of grains in silos or metal crib to prevent avian or rodent attack.
this will enhance further reduction of moisture.
(iii) Processing equipment – such as (a) Grinding machine after which you
separate the flour from the corn brans. The flour is used to produce bread,
Some varieties such as the sweet corn is used to produce corn flakes while
in some cases they are processed to can corn meals.
7.0 MARKETING CHANNELS
(i) Bakeries
(ii) Corn-flakes companies
(iii) Custard processing company
(iv) Confectionaries companies
(v) Braveries to brew beer and other alcoholic drinks
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8. 0 VALUE CHAIN CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS IN MAIZE
PRODUCTION IN DELTA STATE.
There are several challenges that mitigate against maize value chain in the
State such as access to finance, market linkages, climatic changes and the fluctuating
prices of commodities.
Moreover some key challenges in the maize value chain include
Aflatoxin contamination:- This are the family of disease causing toxin produce by
certain fungi that affect maize, that have carcinogenic effects and cause stunted
growth. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) estimated that up
to 60% of maize produce in Nigeria may be aflatoxin contaminated (Agresulta-
Aflasafe report). However many small holder farmers are unaware of aflatoxin
negative health implications and existing crop treatments. The Agresults Aflasate
project is partnering with aggregators in Nigeria to sensitized farmer to adopt an
aflatoxin bio-control technology developed by IITA.
Seed System: - The slow adoption of hybrids seed due to small holder farmer’s
propensity to recycle their seeds coupled with the limited availability of improved
open pollinated maize varieties in key maize growing state is a major limitation to
an overall increase in maize yield. In addition, small holder farmers have difficulty
gaining access to improved varieties because many input companies are yet to extend
their supply chains to rural areas where many of these farmers operate.
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9.0 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES IN MAIZE
PRODUCTION IN DELTA STATE
There are vast opportunity in agricultural business in Delta State according to
the expert who spoke at the just concluded Delta Agribusiness, finance and
investment summit held in Asaba urged investors to take advantage of the
agricultural opportunities in the state to established business that will promote the
commercialization of the sector in the country.
Adam Safer, chief of party and managing director of feed the future Nigeria
Agribusiness investment Activity said agriculture has a great potential to contribute
significantly to the state growth and development, but the sector remains rooted in
subsistence farming.
Suffer said investors could help to make sure Delta’s agricultural product and
processes are up to international standard. According to him the team from the
USAID feed the future Nigeria Agribusiness investment investors were in Delta
State to brainstorm on opportunities and solution to challenges in the agribusiness
sector which he said the cultivating New frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) is the
prime implementer of the Agribusiness investment activity that is funded by the
USAID. The activity is pursuing a unique robust business centred strategy to
increase the dynamism and competitiveness of Nigeria Agribusiness sector in line
with the US and Nigeria governments commitment of growing the non-oil base
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economy. He said the Feed the future Nigeria agribusiness investment activity aims
to strengthen the enabling environment for agribusiness finance and investment with
a focus on the following five key value chains; Rice, Cowpea, Soybean, Maize and
aquaculture. That the15.7million Dollar five years intervention programme is to seek
to sustainably link thousands of MSMEs and producer organizations with high
performing commercial actors in the following seven target states Delta, Benue,
Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Ebonyi and Cross-River There is a vast opportunities for
investors to invest in maize production in the state.
Nigeria produce a wide range of agricultural commodities, which could serve
as raw materials for industrial production and food crop for human consumption.
This dual nature of these crops makes them to be in high demand such as maize crop.
Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal crop that grows across a range of agro-ecological
zones in Nigeria, though It is grown slightly more in the Northern part of Nigeria.
The two type of maize grown in Nigeria the yellow and white variety and due to its
rate of adaptability, Nigeria be the most populous country in Africa (about
165million) and above This is essentially agrarian in nature with over 80 percent of
her food needs being produced by peasants farmers cultivating mainly in less than
Hectares of land. Maize is the most vital cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
and an important staple food for more than 1.2 billion people in SSA and Latin
America. All part of the crop can be used for food and non-food product. In
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industrialized countries maize is highly used in livestock feed and as a raw material
for industrial product.
Record have it that over 60% of Nigeria maize production is consumed by the
industrial sector for production of flour, beer, malt drink , corn flakes, starch, syrup,
dextrose and animal feed. This high demand for corn (maize) starch in Nigeria with
a population of over 165 million people on an estimated national population growth
rate of 5.7% per annual an average economic growth rate of 3.5% per annual in the
past five (5) years. Nigeria has a large market for corn (maize) starch which is a great
investment opportunity for Delta State. Because the national demand for corn
(maize) starch in Nigeria is estimated at about 800,000 tons/annual while the current
national supply is estimated at 350,000 ton/annual. This is a great opportunity for
investors in the state as there is a high demand for the product and a friendly
environment for investors to invest in the state,
10.0 MAIZE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (M.A.A.N) (DELTA STATE
CHAPTER)
STATE EXECUTIVE MEMBER (M.A.A.N)
(1) Mr. Igelige Enebeli George - Chairman - 08035460512
(2) Mr. Badidi Sunday - Vice Chairman - 08069040987
(3) Mr. Egbikuaje Vincent - Secretary - 08136112084
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(4) Mrs. Akhere Elizabeth - Treasurer - 08168597168
(5) Mr. Uboko O. M. - Financial Secretary- 09061315254
(6) Mr. Iwegbune J.U. Michael - Procurement Officer- 08168640915
10.1 Objective / Mandate
A. To increase food security in the state
B. To create employment through job and wealth creation
Strength of the Association about 2,500 farmers across the state
REFERENCES
Delta Investment Summit highlights opportunities in agric, [summit lecture deliver
by Adam Saffer Phd MD, chief of party FTT Nigeria agribusiness
investment],Reported by Josephine Okolie ,February 5 2020.
Delta state Agric policy 2019-2025 production potential of maize
Developing Institutes: I.A.R.T, I.A.R, SAMARU, IITA, IBADAN, Contribution and
Benefits of Maize, Production System and Patterns, Processing Activities /
Practices and Marketing Channels
Eke A. (Ph.D.), Growing Maize for Economic Empowerment, Training Manual on
Youth Agricultural Entrepreneur Programme, Office of the chief Job and
wealth creation, Governor’s Office (Bureau For Job & Wealth Creation).
Guide to maize production a publication by the Delta States Ministry of Agriculture
and Natural Resource (Recommended varieties of Maize species) Maize
international institute of tropical agriculture (IITA) https://www.iita.org
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IITA (1997). Morphology and Growth of Maize. Research Guide No. 9 Pp36
Aboaba K. O. and Fadiji D. M. (2020). Analysis of Maize and Maize
Products in Ijebu North LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria
Marechera G. & Ndwiga J., 2014Farmers perception of Aflatoxin Management
Strategies in Lower. Eastern Kenya, Journal of Agricultural Extension and
Rural Development 6(12), 382-392.
National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan
(Catalogue of crop Varieties Released and Registered in Nigeria) Volume No.6
Updated as of September, 2014
Tobacco / land and water / Food and Agricultural Organization of the United
Nations–Crop description and climate, Water requirements
(http:www.Fao.org.maize)
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