**5. Conclusion**


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*Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88997*

**A.Appendix. Common nutrient deficiency symptoms in maize**

*Maize - Production and Use*

*4.8.1 Maize drying*

14% or less [14].

*4.8.1.1 Types of drying*

It is low energy cost.

from laying eggs.

to operate this dryer [8].

**5. Conclusion**

**4.8 Techniques to get higher market price**

Maize drying is a vital operation which involves removal of moisture from the cobs/grains. It is carried out because high moisture grain will deteriorate rapidly due to grain respiration and heating, germination of grains, mold (fungal) growth and subsequent incidence of mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxin) and increase insect multiplication and damage. The optimum moisture content of maize should be

• **Sun drying:** It is a popular method of drying grain where spread grain is

• **Smoking:** The insect infestation is reduced when hung above the fire as the heat reduces the moisture content and the chemicals in smoke deters insect

• **Air drying:** The maize cobs are hung along the roof of the house to expose it to

• Adoption of production techniques namely, selection of cultivars, irrigation techniques, INM. IPM and other technological interventions certainly prove

• Maize crop provides better opportunity to scientific community in exploration of resource conservation technologies like zero tillage, partial root drying

• Characteristically, maize crop can fit well in diverse crop rotations and intercropping options, which enhances its preference in intensive agriculture.

A portable maize dryer 3 ton capacity has been developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana as per international norms and recommended to dry maize grains from a moisture level 25 to 15% in 8–10 hours. This cross-flow dryer has three pass, indirect type diesel fired heating system. A control panel to regulate and display the temperature of heated air, exit air and speed of air blower with variable frequency drive is provided for better operation. The dryer can maintain air temperature 60–75°C with the grain temperature of 45°C for seed and 60°C for commercial purpose. The dryer is capable of drying maize grain @ 1.0–1.5% per hour consuming about 4 L/hour. of diesel initially for 1 hour. A provision of heat recovery from flue gases ensures higher fuel efficiency with reduced diesel consumption to about 2 L/hour, later on. The dryer can be operated both with tractor PTO or electricity. One each of skilled and unskilled labor is required

air and hence the moisture content is minimized [5].

propitious in achieving the potential yield targets.

irrigation, integrated pest management etc.

exposed to direct sunlight until the desired grain moisture content is achieved.

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