WHAT IS CORN?
Commonly referred to as corn, maize is a starchy vegetable that comes as kernels on a cob, protected by a leafy green husk. Despite its reputable name and many purposes amongst the other vegetables, it has managed to build up a bit of a bad reputation, as it has a lot of natural sugar. However, do not overlook its many natural benefits. The plant is an excellent source of several key nutrients and vitamins. The scientific name of corn is Zea mays and is a part of the Poaceae grass family.
WHERE DOES CORN COME FROM?
The domesticated maize crop is one of the most widely distributed food crops in the world. The plant was first domesticated by the natives of Southern Mexico dating as far back as 9,000 years ago. The modern maize we consume and process however is believed to have been derived from the Balsas teosinte grass. Around this period, early farmers selectively farmed this type of grass for its favorable traits of teosinte into the tasty and tender cobs we enjoy today.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EXPORTERS OF CORN IN THE WORLD?
Data pulled the Observatory Economic Complexity (OEC) indicates that in 2019, the top exporter for corn was the United States, exporting $8.21B dollars worth. Brazil came in second, exporting $7.39B dollars worth. Argentina, Ukraine and France were next, exporting corn worth $6.19B, $4.77B and $1.37B respectively. This produce ranked 97th in the worlds most traded product in 2019, attaining a total trade worth of $36.3B, which represents 0.2% of the total world trade. In 2020 however, these countries still remained as the top 5 exporters although with a little change to their ranking with United States in the lead with increasing exporting corn worth to $9.6B/
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST IMPORTERS OF CORN IN THE WORLD?
According to the OEC, Japan was the top importer of corn in 2019, importing $3.32B dollars worth. Next, came Mexico, who imported $3.05B dollars worth. Followed by South Korea, who imported $2.02B dollars worth. Vietnam and Spain came in 4th and 5th, importing $1.93B and $1.78B dollars worth of corn respectively. For the year 2020, Japan and Mexico still remained at the top of the list, with imports reaching $3.3B and $3.1B. However, China also became a major player when it comes to the importation of corn, importing $2.5B dollars worth of corn in the year 2020 alone. Indeed, China is the country with the fastest-growing market for corn. In 2019, China experienced a growth of 134.6% from the previous year, whereas Columbia, Vietnam, and South Korea experienced growths of 6.7%, 3.9% and 0.8% in their respective markets.
HOW DO YOU GROW CORN?
Here are a few things to know before you begin your journey in planting corn. The plant does not do well with extreme cold. They prefer to be planted in sunny, wind-protected areas. Unlike some plants, these plants do not transplant well, so you should pick a permanent spot for your crop. To promote complete pollination, it is advised to plant in blocks rather than in long individual rows. You should place the seeds 1 inch deep into the soil after prepping your bed. If planting in hot weather or in midsummer, you should increase the depth by another inch. The plants do best in loose, well-drained soil with pH levels between 5.8 and 6.8. The seeds germinate within 10 to 14 days and the plants requires 60 to 100 days before they are ready for harvest.
Take note, corn planted too closely requires more water and fertilizer and would usually result in lower yields. Water the plants regularly to avoid wilting. Also note that the plant has a very shallow root so avoid deep cultivation. During the early stages of growth, it is also important to take out any surrounding weeds as these can compete for water and soil nutrients. Be also wary of cutworms, ear-worms, and flea beetles as these are known pests to affect the yield of corn plants. According to goodhousekeeping, you can prevent these pests by mixing vegetable oil, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), water, and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle, and applying the solution to the tip of each ear at the emergence of silk.
HOW DO YOU HARVEST CORN?
After a period of 60 to 100 days your crops are ready for harvest! The ears turn a dark green, the silks turn brown, and the kernels become plump and soft when its ready. For further assurance, gently squeeze a kernel and if the juice is milky, then its time for harvest. If the kernel produces a clear liquid, it still needs more time until it is ready. Pick the corn by the ear and proceed to give it a sharp twist downward. Each stalk produces one or two ears of corns upon harvest on average. From the first appearance of the silks, harvest is usually 20 days around the corner. A healthy practice would be to harvest the ears in the morning and after picking, plunge the ears immediately into cold water as this helps preserve the sweetness of the vegetable.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH CORN?
Although corn is starchy and contains a lot of sugar and carbs, it also has many health benefits as well. Whole-grain corn products aids in the prevention of ailments such as cancer, heart diseases and even type 2 diabetes. The fibre within corn helps one stay full longer between meals. In addition, this food is a rich source of nutrients and vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin E and Vitamin K along with Potassium and Magnesium.
Cornbread, popcorn, tortillas, or muffins are all made with corn. One can also use cornstarch to thicken gravies, soups, and sauces. One important application we might overlook is just how our livestock benefit from this crop. Indeed, planting corn will help feed your livestock for months to come. Corn can be transformed into some alcoholic beverages. For example, in Ghana, the people make asana, which is a drink made from fermented corn and caramelized sugar. It can even be used to make plastic.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED IN THIS AGRIBUSINESS?
Corn can take anywhere between 3 to 5 months to grow. During this time, it is important to water your crops often, weed them when necessary, and fertilize the base. One of the best ways to farm corn is with the intercropping system. On our farm, we like to grow corn alongside our plantain and cassava. Get in touch if you are thinking about starting or growing your agriculture business. We’d be happy to help guide your process or work one-on-one as you navigate challenges and opportunities in your industry.
