Chhattisgarh, the 26th state of the Indian Union came into existence on November 1st, 2000. In Chhattisgarh, maize is a kharif season crop and second most important crop next to paddy in terms of both area and production. The state has got very good potential for maize but the productivity is very low due to cultivation of open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and improper input management practices. The real potential can be realized by the adoption of hybrid maize especially single cross hybrids with full package of practices. As the major chunk of maize acreage of the state is rainfed, there is a need to popularize single cross hybrids which have better adaptability under stress environments. Maize crop can also be extended from upland to midland situation in the state and it can hold better promises than rice in drought and prolonged dry spell condition. In Chhattisgarh AICRP maize research program has been started in Kharif at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, RMD college of Agriculture Research Station, Ambikapur-497001. With the inception of project farmers of the state initiate adoption of high yielding cultivars (composites/ hybrids) and scientific crop management practices resulting in continued growth in maize production and productivity. Public sector as well as private sector companies play important role in supply of hybrid seeds to the farmers. Government of Chhattisgarh also launched different special programs for increasing the production and productivity of the maize in state. The Agriculture department is involved in the rapid growth in output and popularity of the maize crop among the farmers in Chhattisgarh. Various demonstrations on improved maize cultivation have been conducted under ISOPOM, BGREI, TSP & RKVY and also with new approach like Cluster demonstration etc. Efforts made to enhance the area and productivity of maize crop in the state is summarized in this article.
