Practices and Technologies for the Management of Key Maize Production Constraints during Kharif Season in East Champaran District – Review

Abstract

Maize production is affected by numerous biotic and abiotic related challenges in East Champaran District, Bihar State, India. The damages caused by these challenges are influenced by the season; high prevalence during Kharif season compared to Rabi season. The solution to these constraints calls for enhanced research-extension-farmer linkages to ensure better development and dissemination of technologies for adoption. Among these constraints, research should target developing varieties that are tolerant to water-stress, fall armyworm, stalk borer and aflatoxin attacks; and better site-specific soil infertility management. Besides, solutions to technical challenges like inappropriate maize spacing, poor and untimely weed control, use of local maize cultivars, poor storage methods, are already available and could effectively be managed through the use of extension agents to train and diffuse them among farmers.