Maize-Harvest and storage

The maize plant reaches harvesting stage by around four months. The sheath covering the cob will turn yellow and dry at maturity. The seeds become fairly hard and dry at the harvesting stage.

Tear-off the cob sheath by using the gunny needle and remove the cobs from the plant. Dry the cobs under the sun till the grains are dry.

Use mechanical threshers to separate the grains from the shank. Otherwise, it can be done through running the tractor over dried cobs. Clean the seeds by winnowing. Collect and store the dry grains in gunny bags.

Maize straw can also be used as a good cattle feed when it is green. Cut the green straw into bits with a chaff cutter or chopping knife and feed the cattle.