Maize is a major staple crop in Ghana and contributes significantly to consumer diets. It is a growing grain that produces yellow, red and white kernels. However, in Ghana, the white and yellow varieties are the most common. For a long time, the white maize variety was the most preferred variety in many regions. Most individuals had little knowledge about the yellow maize variety, nevertheless, the narrative is changing. Maize adapts well to different soil types with a pH range of 5.0 -7.0. High yields are obtained from maize planted on loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.
Yellow maize grows on stalks with each stalk producing several ears of corn. It is typically used by animal feed manufacturers. With the presence of carotenoids is responsible for the yellowness of yellow maize. Yellow maize serves as a major source of energy and vitamin A known as Retinol in livestock feed. The nutrient content of yellow maize helps improve egg production when used in the feed.
Health Benefits of Yellow Maize
- Yellow Maize is a highly nutritious grain that has radiant colour and unique taste. Research has proven that yellow corn has high levels of lutein. It is an excellent source of fibre and proteins whilst being low in fat and salt. Maize contains lots of minerals that are good for eye health.
- Maize is good for your bowel movements as it has the recommended daily dosage of fibre, which helps prevents haemorrhoids. This helps with various digestive problems like constipation.
- With a combination of fatty acids in it, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is reduced since Omega 3 fatty acids get rid of bad cholesterol. It also prevents your arteries from getting clogged and even controls your blood pressure as a result. It lowers your chances of getting heart attacks and strokes.
Farmers have testified that planting yellow hybrid maize is easy to adopt. Hybrids contain improved genetics, such as unique trait combinations to tolerant adverse growing conditions resulting in higher yields than OPVs. Also, hybrids respond better to fertilizer than OPVs. This high patronage has created the market for agricultural input companies to bring in more yellow maize seeds for the market. To get yellow hybrid maize seeds, contact Newage Agric Solutions to purchase quality improved seeds for higher yields.