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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