Maize farming is a lucrative agribusiness any day especially dry season farming.
This is because maize is a staple food for humans, animal feed and industrial product. 
It features in the tables of almost all families in Nigeria, and many other African countries and beyond.
Maize as a staple food is consumed in a variety of ways.
It can be roasted, cooked for immediate consumption or combined with beans to make a delicious and nutritious meals. Nutritional Value Maize contains about 9 percent of protein, vitamin A, C and E and other essential minerals for healthy living. Varieties
Maize has yellow and white varieties. There is also local and hybrid varieties.
The farmer must cultivate the variety that is marketable in his area of production.
Again, the farmer should choose a species that is fast-growing, pest and disease resistant and high-yielding.
There are also early maturing variety which matures in 90 to 100 days and those maturing at 110 to 120 days
Processing
Maize can also be processed into various meals such as pap, corn drink, popcorn andmany others according to various cultures.
Animal Feed
Maize is an important ingredient in the manufacture of poultry and animal feeds.
It is also used in industrial production of additive agents and ingredients in household items such as medicine, syrups, cosmetics and shoe publish.
It can be processed into milk, cornflakes and yogurt, biofuels, and brewing of beer and other drinks.
Advantages Maize has many advantages over other cereals such as rice, wheat, millet or beans. It is cheaper than others and has shorter gestation period and as such guarantees quick return on investment.
It is also amenable to commercial agriculture where tractors can be used for cultivation and weeding in an expansive land.
Land Acquisition and Planting.
Land is a critical factor in maize farming. The first step is to acquire a piece of land for cultivation by outright purchase or lease in communities where expanse of land is available.
You can also acquire land through farm settlements, cooperatives or communities. Whichever way, the farmer must ensure that the land is secured from marauding herdsmen and thieves.
It will be better if the farmland is fenced. You clear and till the land in preparation to plant at the beginnings of the rains in the year or during late rains.
You can as well use irrigation method to plant during dry season.
In all, choose loamy soil for maximum output. Do not allow your farm to be choked by weeds Make provisions for weeding either by hand or use of herbicides.
Profitability Maize has a wide market and command’s high demand because of its nutritional and industrial use for manufacturing agro-based foods.
Maize farming is profitable because it guarantees food security, gainful employment and high return on investment.
Go for it; perhaps it is your turn to prosper.
