Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are leading producers of Kharif maize. Maize as a Rabi Crop (Winter Season)
| Feature | Kharif Maize | Rabi Maize | |--------|-------------|-------------| | Sowing period | June–July | Oct–Nov | | Harvest period | Sep–Oct | Feb–Mar | | Water source | Rainfed + supplementary irrigation | Assured irrigation | | Temperature (growing) | 25–35°C | 20–25°C | | Yield potential | Moderate (2.5–4.5 t/ha) | High (5–8 t/ha) | | Pest/disease pressure | High (stem borer, leaf blight) | Low | | Grain quality | Fair (used for feed/industry) | Excellent (human consumption) | | Major states | Karnataka, MP, UP, Bihar | AP, TN, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka |