Maize farming rises in Gadchiroli as farmers seek drought-resistant options
1
2
Nagpur: Farmers in Gadchiroli, a district hit by Naxalism and yearly deluges, are finding maize as an option to tackle dry spells. In a predominantly paddy belt, maize is fast gaining favour for its rugged properties and ability to survive dry spells.
Farmers from the district say despite receiving highest rainfall in the region, lack of organised irrigation often leaves them high and dry.
Maize needs much less water than paddy. In four years, area under maize cultivation in the district has grown 18 times. From 481 hectares in 2022, maize is now grown in more than 9,000 hectares in the district. This is despite wild boar herds devouring the crop, apart from elephants which have made Gadchiroli their home for two years rampaging the crops.
Earlier, maize was only used for making poultry feed. However, lately, there has been a demand in the ethanol industry. Maize has found its way into ethanol plants as a feedstock. Even the distiller's dried grains and solubles (DDGS), a by-product, is fast replacing soybean de-oiled cake (DOC) as cattle feed, said sources.
Maize, which fetched around Rs1,500 to Rs1,600 a quintal, now gets Rs2,200. A higher yield of 25 quintals compared to other crops makes it a profitable option, said sources in the agriculture department.
Deepak Haldar, a local political activist, said initially Bengali farmers, who were resettled after Bangladesh liberation war of 1971, began cultivating maize. They took a cue from their kin in Pakhanjur, over 100km away in Chhattisgarh. The town has emerged as a maize hub. Slowly, the area increased substantially, and even others began adopting maize. It's easy to grow and needs very little water. This makes cultivation easy as the district has no major irrigation project, said Haldar.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
29 minutes ago
- Economic Times
China's defence stocks jump up to 10% led by AVIC Shenyang as Pakistan announces arms purchase
Chinese defence stocks rallied after Pakistan announced plans to buy 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking China's first export of the fifth-generation aircraft. AVIC Shenyang surged 10%, with broader sector gains following the major arms deal. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Shares of Chinese defense companies rallied on Monday after Pakistan said that it intends to buy one of the Asian power's most-advanced fighter jets as a part of major arms purchase. Among the top gainers was AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, whose stock surged over 10% following Pakistan's announcement that it plans to buy J-35 stealth fighter jet from the Chinese as one of the country's most-advanced fighter jets, the deal is seen as a part of major arms purchase by India's western Friday, the government of Pakistan in a social media post said that it would acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as HQ-19 ballistic missile defense of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft have remained unbeaten for the past three trading sessions, Today's rally has extended stocks gains to 13% in the past five sessions. While it is a month since the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was implemented, AVIC Shenyang Aircraft shares have jumped 18% in this armed escalation broke out between India and Pakistan between May 7 and May 10 as India hit several targets in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the killings in Pahalgam where 26 innocent tourists were Shenyang Aircraft has been in the thick of action owing to its J-35 stealth fighter jetMeanwhile, other Chinese defence stocks also saw a positive rub-off impact as Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., whose shares jumped as much as 15% on the intraday basis. This counter has rallied 10% in the past five trading CH UAV Co shares were up by over 1% while Inner Mongolia First Machinery Grp Co was 4% J-35 sale to Pakistan would mark China's first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities for penetrating the airspace of an adversary, a Bloomberg report said. The fighter was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, it KJ-500 aircraft would improve Pakistan's radar coverage and its smaller size allows for nimbler use in regional clashes. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems would enhance the country's ability to intercept ballistic deal comes amid persisting tensions between Pakistan and India. The nuclear-armed neighbors clashed several weeks ago, with both sides trading air, drone and missile strikes, as well as artillery and small arms fire along their shared border in early May.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
China's defence stocks jump up to 10% led by AVIC Shenyang as Pakistan announces arms purchase
Shares of Chinese defense companies rallied on Monday after Pakistan said that it intends to buy one of the Asian power's most-advanced fighter jets as a part of major arms purchase. Among the top gainers was AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, whose stock surged over 10% following Pakistan's announcement that it plans to buy J-35 stealth fighter jet from the Chinese company. Touted as one of the country's most-advanced fighter jets, the deal is seen as a part of major arms purchase by India's western neighbour. On Friday, the government of Pakistan in a social media post said that it would acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems. Shares of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft have remained unbeaten for the past three trading sessions, Today's rally has extended stocks gains to 13% in the past five sessions. While it is a month since the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was implemented, AVIC Shenyang Aircraft shares have jumped 18% in this period. An armed escalation broke out between India and Pakistan between May 7 and May 10 as India hit several targets in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the killings in Pahalgam where 26 innocent tourists were killed. Live Events AVIC Shenyang Aircraft has been in the thick of action owing to its J-35 stealth fighter jet Meanwhile, other Chinese defence stocks also saw a positive rub-off impact as Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., whose shares jumped as much as 15% on the intraday basis. This counter has rallied 10% in the past five trading sessions. Aerospace CH UAV Co shares were up by over 1% while Inner Mongolia First Machinery Grp Co was 4% higher. The J-35 sale to Pakistan would mark China's first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities for penetrating the airspace of an adversary, a Bloomberg report said. The fighter was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, it added. The KJ-500 aircraft would improve Pakistan's radar coverage and its smaller size allows for nimbler use in regional clashes. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems would enhance the country's ability to intercept ballistic missiles. The deal comes amid persisting tensions between Pakistan and India. The nuclear-armed neighbors clashed several weeks ago, with both sides trading air, drone and missile strikes, as well as artillery and small arms fire along their shared border in early May. ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Boost for Chinese defence stocks: Shares surge after Pakistan said it intends to buy China's J-35 stealth fighter jets; first international sale
AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, which manufactures the J-35 stealth fighter jet, saw its shares rise by the maximum daily limit of 10%. (AI image) Chinese defence companies saw a surge in share prices on Monday following Pakistan's announcement of its intention to purchase advanced fighter aircraft from China. AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, which manufactures the J-35 stealth fighter jet, saw its shares rise by the maximum daily limit of 10% in Shanghai, continuing its upward trend for the third straight session. Other defence-sector companies also witnessed significant gains, with Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co. experiencing up to 15% increase in share value, according to a Bloomberg report. On Friday, Pakistan's government announced via social media its plans to acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems. China is set to make its first international sale of the J-35 fifth-generation fighter jet to Pakistan. This advanced aircraft, featuring sophisticated stealth capabilities for airspace penetration, was manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and showcased at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Pakistan's military capabilities would be enhanced with the KJ-500 aircraft, offering improved radar coverage and operational flexibility in regional conflicts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Additionally, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems would strengthen their ballistic missile defence capabilities, the Bloomberg report said. The regional military landscape is evolving, as evidenced by Indonesia's consideration of Chinese J-10 jets. Although Indonesia has previously acquired munitions and surveillance equipment from China, this would be their first purchase of Chinese fighter aircraft, marking a shift from their traditional reliance on American and Russian manufacturers. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
