Amid diversification push, Ludhiana varsity experts vouch for baby corn
Ludhiana university experts say baby corn is promising option for farmers, particularly those located near urban and semi-urban markets
As the state’s agricultural landscape is faced by an urgent need for crop diversification, experts at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have vouched for baby crop as a profitable alternative.
Specialty corns, such as baby corn, offer a promising option for farmers, particularly those located near urban and semi-urban markets, the experts added. Baby corn is the tender and immature ear of maize harvested within two-three days of silk emergence.
“Owing to its short duration, good market demand and multiple uses, baby corn has emerged as an attractive crop for increasing income. The crop is harvested within 60 to 65 days, and the remaining biomass can be used as fodder for livestock, making it even more attractive for dairy farmers. Since the young ear remains covered with husk, it is naturally protected from a host of insects and diseases, and remains comparatively free from pesticide residue. The features make baby corn highly acceptable in domestic as well as export markets,” said Mahesh Kumar, principal agronomist (maize) at the PAU.
Baby corn can be easily fitted into different cropping systems because of its short duration. A crop can be raised between wheat and rice basmati rice rotation, and two to three crops can be reaped from April to September in place of a single rice crop. It means baby corn offers flexibility in crop planning as well as better use of land and time, said Tosh Garg, maize breeder at the PAU.
For successful cultivation, sowing can be done from April to the first week of August. The crop should be planted in rows spaced 30 cm apart, with 20 cm distance between plants. Farmers are advised to adopt staggered sowing at short intervals so fresh baby corn reaches the market continuously as per the demand, said Rumesh Ranjan, another maize breeder from the PAU. The university has recommended single cross baby corn hybrid, Punjab Baby Corn 1, for cultivation. The hybrid is suitable as it ensures higher yield and better quality. Its gives 8.4 quintals (dehusked) of baby corn per acre, with ears of uniform size.
The crop is ready for harvesting within two-three days of silk emergence but before fertilisation. The ears picked late after silking become pithy, less crispy and are not fit for consumption as salad or vegetable. Normally, two to three ears should be picked from each plant and ears appearing later should be avoided as they may not be of good quality. The baby corn ears should be picked along with the husk, added the experts.
Nutritional qualities
The nutritional qualities of baby corn are on par with or superior to most seasonal vegetables. Besides protein, vitamins, calcium and iron, it is one of the richest sources of phosphorus. It is a low-carbohydrate, high-fibre and fat-free vegetable.
Experts say baby corn has excellent marketing and export potential. Once largely imported from Thailand and restricted to fine dining establishments, it is being increasingly cultivated in India. Demand from hotels, airlines, shipping companies and European markets indicate strong prospects. Companies are promoting commercial cultivation through contract farming.
