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MORPHOLOGY
— Maize is predominantly in the cereal group of Southern Nigeria. To some extent it is cultivated throughout Nigeria, it’s next only to guinea corn in degree of production. Maize is suitable to tropical conditions can adapt to even the extreme climatic conditions. It can be grown from sea level to a height of over 10, 000 ft
NUTRIENTS COMPOSITIONS
—- Carbohydrates –69.2%
—- Protein — 9.9%
—- Fats –4.4%
—– Ash — 1.3%
—– H2O 13.0%

Minerals and Vitamins are present in small amount from this value, Maize is richer than guinea corn or any other cereal (except Oats and Wheat)
The protein is relatively high its also high in carbohydrates Potassium, Chloride, Sodium, Sulphur etc. Its also richer in Ash(mineral matter ) and vitamins. The non starchy components ate concentrated in the germ which forms about 11% of the whole grain. (Proteins are concentrated in the regions ) Yellow and White variety are similar in composition but Yellow is richer in Carotene the precursor of Vitamins A (ie Pigment of Vit A ).Maize protein are relatively of poor quality.Zein and Alutelin are the protein on maize in about equal proportion. Zein has particularly low biological value since it’s deficient in lysine and anyptoplain which are indispensable to growth of the young .
The deficiencies of lysine and tryptophan limits the biological value of maize protein to about 60% (of the nutritive value ) . Cultivation of hybrid corn in the USA has resulted in the production of high yielding varieties which are also resistant to pest . High degree of starchness ,oil,protein and carotene .content have also been introduced into hybridisation.

OPTIMUM MAIZE PRODUCTION
Maize is undoubtedly the primary staple food in Africa . Any factor that influences maize yields is therefore of key concern to farmers. Extraneous factors such as weather patterns notwithstanding, it is important for maize farmers to pay attention to all the good standard practices needed for optimum production.
Firstly, the farmer needs to understand their agro ecological zone. This helps determine the climatic conditions ideal for maize production and informs correct hybrid seed choice. At this juncture, the farmer needs to understand the soil characteristics prevalent in their field. Maize is a nutrient intensive and requires adequate supplies of all nutrients for all growth stages. Fertile, well drained, well aerated and good textured soil is able to supply these nutrients. However, soil pH determines the availability of nutrients in the soil. pH is the level of acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Maize crops grow best at a soil pH of between 5.5 and 7.3, with pH 6.0–6.5 being optimal. In this range, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are readily available. Nitrogen helps in establishment of healthy leaves, phosphorus for root formation, potassium for fruiting while secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium among others are critical for crop physiological functions. Soil testing helps establish the available nutrients and the remedial steps that need to be undertaken in case of deficiencies. Fertile soil should be well prepared for sowing. The correct tillage method ensures ample availability of all plant nutrients, water retention and reduced incidences of pests and diseases.

It is important for the farmer to prepare for sowing by selecting the correct seed. Indeed, good seed doesn’t cost, it pays. In the case of maize, “good seed” often equates to good hybrid seed. Commercially acquired certified seeds are as a standard practice dressed with a fungicide and an insecticide to prevent diseases and insects respectively. A novel and growing practice is the further dressing with beneficial microorganisms such as Panoramix to ensure robust growth characterised by well-established root system. This improves nutrient and water use efficiency, resulting in a healthy resilient crop able to achieve higher yields. In addition, the correct sowing depth will ensure uniform emergence and good plant population.
During, sowing it is crucial to use the right nutrient sources which include organic manure and fertilizers. Organic manure should be applied few weeks before sowing. For better fertilizer efficiency, it is important to use the 4R principles, which are the four ‘rights’ of fertilizer management i.e. apply the right source of nutrient at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. Maize also requires ‘booster nitrogen’ over the growing period. It is important to top dress after 25-30 days of sowing and do the final top dressing after 20-25 days of first top dressing.
It should be noted that the emergence, comes with other unwanted plants that compete with maize for nutrients. It is important to remove the unwanted plants by weeding regularly. If all these steps are followed, and the weather patterns are favourable, then the farmer is guaranteed of a bumper harvest.How to get optimum Maize production

PROCESSING
Maize value chains are Food , Flour, Starch & Oils industrially maize could be processed into corn flour or flakes .
The starchy endosperm may be processed into Glucose, Dextrose also for both edible and laundry purposes. While the germ gives rise to maize oill. The variety of Indian maize can be used in making salad or cooking oil.
The silk of maize plant may be used as filters,husks for mattresses while the leaves is used for hay and silage for animal feeds.

PROCESS ENGINEERING.
Maize grains are conformed into COMMINUTION process which is a term for Size Reduction or increasing the surface area,. in Crushers or Grinders equipment.

—-COMPRESSION,– Used for coarse reduction of hard solid.

— IMPACT, —- Gives coarse medium or fine products.
—- ATTRITION Yields very fine products for non abrasive materials. and
—–Cutting gives definate particle size. The objectives of Crusher or Grinder is to produce smaller particles from lager ones thereby “increasing the surface area” of the grain .
—– The term Enzymatic SACCARIFICATION is used for the production of Glucose or Dextrose
—– Corn flakes are produced by IMPARTING boiled maize on rollers mills.
— Flour milling through Roller mills of determined clearance.
—– Livestock feeds, — Nigeria consumed about 60% of annual maize production for the ever increasing animal husbandry industries.

At WufasAgronet, we are Competent and Reliable Food Technologists into Human Capital Development Consultancy. Training the teeming youthful population in Ethics of Food Processing enhancing Global competitiveness and international best practices. We are Core Working Group CWG in the Nutritional thematic area. Contact us email: wufasagronet@gmail.com