HPKV develops 31 hybrid maize seeds

Shimla, Feb 6 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh KrishiVishwavidyalaya has developed 31 varieties of hybrid Maizeseeds with ''Dekalb Double'' emerging as the highest yielder,delivering an average yield of 95.47 quintals per hectare.

The state government has already approved this varietyunder subsidised scheme and new HPKV report has endorsed thechoice of the government for hybrid seeds.

Launching the ''Report on Testing Maize Hybrids in HPduring Kharif 2010'' here today, S P Sharma, Director Research,HPKV, Palampur said "With our single minded focus on farmers''benefit and helping improve agriculture for the state, weconduct regular evaluation of seeds and yield analysis toenable better and informed choice for farmers and the state."

At present, about 25 to 30 per cent areas are underhybrid maize in the state and the productivity of maize rangedfrom 22 to 24 quintals per hectare.