Trial on sweet corn at Phayeng successful
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 14 2025: With the success of the trial plantation of three varieties of sweet corn in the paddy fields of Chakpa Phayeng in Imphal West district, the Agriculture Department has taken up steps to extend technological support to farmers interested in plantation of sweet corn from the next Kharif season.

Trial plantation in Chakpa Phayeng on three varieties of sweet corn having unique tastes and profitable to farmers was undertaken with the technological support of District Agriculture Officer, Imphal West under the aegis of the agriculture department.

Trial plantation on Sugar 75, Sweet 27 and Golden Cob varieties was taken up in 6.5 hectare paddy fields in Chakpa Phayeng as a cluster demonstration under the National Food Mission-course serials 2024-25.The trial plantation was done by Iramdam Organic King Chilli Farmers Interest Group of Phayeng cluster with the support of DAO, Imphal West.

All the varieties have reached the harvesting stage.

A team of officials led by principal secretary (agriculture) Arun Kumar Sinha visited the Chakpa Phayeng fields on Wednesday.

The team also comprising director (agriculture) Peter Salam, DAO, Imphal West S Kenedy and other officials inspected suitability of the trial plantation with requisite fertilizer, micro nutrients and organic pesticides.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inspection, Arun Kumar explained that plantation of corn in one hectare would entail investment of Rs 1.5 lakh with the yield fetching Rs 5 lakh.

Planting such high-yielding cash crop will enhance economy of farmers as there will be no problem for market due to high demand of corn outside Manipur, he said.

Director (agriculture) Peter Salam also said that the department conducted trial plantation of the three varieties but the most high-yielding variety will be promoted to farmers of the state.

The department had already made budget allocation under annual action plan for plantation of sweet corn from this year, he said adding that the department will help farmers interested in plantation of sweet corn.

According to DAO Kenedy, trial plantation of the sweet corn varieties at Phayeng was taken up to ascertain soil and climate suitability at paddy fields which remain fallow for four months after harvesting paddy crop.

If farmers are interested in sweet corn plantation, the department is ready to extend help with technical and other support from the Kharif season, he assured adding that farmers could augment their income if sweet corn varieties are grown for consumption within short period.

After the inspection, DAO Imphal West distributed sprayer, organic pesticide and micro nutrients to farmers.

An interaction programme was also held later participated by Phayeng GP chairperson Angom Gojendro among others.

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