Pune: Farmers in Kalamb (Tal. Ambegaon) are seeing significant profits from cultivating sweet corn. Rajendra Vitthal Kanade and his son Shekhar Rajendra Kanade have successfully grown sweet corn of the 'CP2' variety on one acre of land, yielding 5.5 tons. They sold the produce at Rs. 17.50 per kilogram, earning lakhs in profit.

Regarding sweet corn, farmer Shekhar Kanade said, "We decided to plant corn in well-drained, average soil. Accordingly, the crop was sown on April 23, 2024. Currently, good prices are being fetched, resulting in a good income."

"Each plant has an average of two corn cobs weighing between half a kilogram to one kilogram. The corn was purchased by trader Kumar Kahadne at Kalamb at a market price of Rs. 17.50 per kilogram. We received timely guidance from Ravindra Varpe of Gurukrupa Industries Group.

With the right combination of fertilizers and pesticides, the yield of corn can be increased. Proper use of fertilizers has increased the size and weight of the cobs. The cobs and stems have yielded an income of one lakh rupees," said Rajendra Kanade.

Cultivation Process:

• Purchased 2.5 kilograms of 'CP2' variety sweet corn seeds.

• Used urea and maize special fertilizers for robust growth.

• Sprayed insecticides and herbicides.

• Maintained constant moisture in the sweet corn field.

• Created furrows for the corn plants using oxen.

• Applied 18:46 and granular potash fertilizers.

• Applied insecticides to the corn cob's core.

Shekhar Kanade, Sweet Corn Producer said, "Ensured proper water management from tasseling to grain filling stages to prevent water stress, which affects pollination and reduces kernel filling, impacting market value."

• Total area: 1 acre

• Production: 5,500 kilograms

• Market price: Rs. 17.50 per kilogram