In a landmark decision at the 68th annual meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Programme on Maize (AICRP) held at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, three maize hybrids developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have been cleared for national release by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Varietal Identification Committee (VIC).
Under the stewardship of Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), ICAR, the committee granted approval to Punjab Baby Corn 3, PMH 18, and PMH 19, each demonstrating significant yield advantages over current commercial varieties.
Punjab Baby Corn 3 (JH 32484) earned its nod for four of the AICRP’s five maize zones—covering Jammu & Kashmir, the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the northeastern hills, and an expansive belt of eastern and southern states. Trials revealed up to 36.7 percent higher baby‑corn yields compared to existing standards, positioning it as a formidable entrant for baby‑corn cultivation across diverse agro‑climatic zones.
Meanwhile, PMH 18 (JH 20088), a medium‑maturing kharif hybrid, was approved for the Central Western Zone—encompassing Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Over multiple seasons, PMH 18 averaged 8,068 kg/ha, outpacing benchmark hybrids BIO 9544, CMH 08‑292, and LG 34.05 by 9.6 percent, 11.1 percent, and 14.4 percent, respectively.
In the North‑Western Plains Zone—comprising Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, the plains of Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh—PMH 19 (JH 18056) distinguished itself as a medium‑maturing spring maize hybrid. It delivered an average yield of 10,441 kg/ha, marking improvements of 6.4 percent over BIO 9544 and 17.1 percent above DHM 117.
Commenting on the triple win, PAU Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal said, “Securing the simultaneous release of three hybrids in a single ICAR meet highlights the calibre of PAU’s maize breeding programme and reflects our unwavering commitment to boosting farmers’ productivity.”
Maize hybrids continue to play a pivotal role in India’s agricultural landscape, offering enhanced yields, wider adaptability, and greater resilience to stress factors. With these new additions, PAU’s portfolio is set to strengthen national efforts toward food security and sustainable farming practices.
