The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified 7 new hybrid varieties of maize for release in different agro-climatic regions of the country. Also, one composite maize variety has been recommended for release. This was recommended at the 49th All India Maize Research Group Meeting held recently at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Maize production in the country had increased to 14.93 million tonnes, an increase of 3.78 million tonnes in 2003-04 compared to its previous year. The area under maize cultivation also had increased to 7.32 mha in 2003-04 compared to 6.64 mha during 2002-03.

New Hybrid varieties of full season maturity are JH-10655, NECH-117 and HQPM-1 and JC-1441 is the composite variety. Early maturing hybrid variety identified is JKMH-1701 whereas extra early maturing hybrids are FH-3211 and FQH-4567. For Rabi season, X-1280 hybrid has been recommended.

Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora has developed two extra early maturing hybrids FH-3211 and FQH-4567. With mean average yield of 6609 kg/ha, FH-3211 has been identified for J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, NEH region, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

FQH-4567 is the first extra-early quality protein maize (QPM) single cross hybrid developed in the country. Since this hybrid possess 0.83% of tryptophan, the quantity of lysine would also be doubled, thus providing nutritional security to the people in J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, NEH region, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It gives mean average yield og 6118 kg/ha.

JH-10655 variety, developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is recommended for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Western UP. Tolerant to major diseases, average mean yield of this variety is 6744 kg/ha.

NECH-117 hybrid, developed by Syngenta India Ltd., Pune, with mean average yield of 7867kg/ha, has been identified for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

HQPM-1 hybrid has been identified for cultivation across the country. Developed by Haryana Agricultural University, this hybrid having quality protein gives mean average yield of 6285 kg/ha. It is resistant to major diseases like Maydis leaf blight (MLB) and Turcicum leaf blight (TLB).

JC1441 composite variety has been recommended for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. This full season maturing variety, developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, gives mean average yield of 5846 kg/ha. Since the seed of composite variety can be used over years, it reduces the financial burden of the farmers.

JK Agri Genetics Ltd., Hyderabad has developed early maturing hybrid JKMH-1701, which has been recommended for hilly areas of J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, NEH region, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Grain of JKMH-1701 is highly appealing with orange yellow, semi-dent and bold kernels and has shown high degree of tolerance to TLB and MLB. The average mean yield of JKMH-1701 is 6535 kg/ha.

For cultivation in Rabi season, Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Bangalore has developed X-1280 hybrid. It has exceptional seedling vigour which helps in good crop establishment. Recommended for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, this hybrid gives mean average yield of 7414 kg/ha.