Maize Production Business
Maize (zea mays) is one of Nigeria's most widely grown and profitable cereal crops, thriving across the savannah and forest belts. A well-managed hectare can yield 3–5 tonnes of grain. This guide walks you through the full business cycle — land cultivation, planting, weed and pest management, harvest, post-harvest drying and storage, and selling to off-takers, feed mills and markets.
From land cultivation to post-harvest and sales
Follow each stage in order — the full value chain for maize production business.
Land Selection & Preparation
Choose well-drained, sandy-loam soils with good sunlight. Clear the land, plough and harrow to a fine tilth. In Nigeria, land preparation is best done before the onset of rains. A soil test guides lime and fertiliser needs — maize prefers pH 5.5–7.0.
- Clear bushes and stumps; plough twice, harrow once
- Incorporate organic manure (5–10 t/ha) where available
- Ridging improves drainage in high-rainfall zones
Seed Selection & Planting
Use improved, drought-tolerant or early-maturing hybrids from trusted seed companies (e.g. Seed Co, Premier Seed, IITA-bred varieties). Plant 2 seeds per hole at 25×75 cm spacing, 3–5 cm deep. One hectare needs about 20–25 kg of seed.
- Recommended: Oba Super, SAMAZ 16, EVDT, Drought-Evade hybrids
- Planting density: ~53,000 plants/ha
- Replant gaps 7–10 days after emergence
Weed, Fertiliser & Pest Management
Weed within the first 6 weeks — the critical weed-free period. Apply pre-emergent herbicide (e.g. atrazine + metolachlor) then supplement with hand weeding. Side-dress NPK 15-15-15 at 2 and 6 weeks after planting; top-dress with urea at 6 weeks. Watch for fall armyworm, stem borers and striga.
- First weeding at 2–3 weeks, second at 6–7 weeks
- Fertiliser: 4 bags NPK + 2 bags urea per hectare (split application)
- Scout for fall armyworm; use recommended insecticides or IPM
Harvesting
Maize is ready 90–120 days after planting when grains harden and the husks dry. For green maize (roasting corn), harvest at the milky stage — it commands premium prices in urban markets. For grain, allow field drying then de-husk.
- Green maize: harvest 70–80 days for premium urban sales
- Grain: harvest when kernel moisture is 20–25%
- Use sickles or mechanical pickers for large fields
Post-Harvest Drying & Storage
Dry grain to 12–13% moisture to prevent aflatoxin and weevil damage. Use tarpaulins, solar dryers or crib drying. Treat clean grain with Actellic Super or Phostoxin for storage. Proper drying is the single biggest factor in preserving maize value in Nigeria.
- Target moisture: 12–13% for long storage
- Aflatoxin risk is high in humid storage — dry thoroughly
- Store in hermetic bags (PICS) or treated jute bags
Marketing & Sales
Sell green maize fresh to urban consumers and roadside vendors. Dry grain can be sold to poultry feed mills, flour mills, breweries, or through produce merchants and cooperative bulking. Negotiate off-take agreements before planting to de-risk price drops at harvest glut.
- Off-takers: feed mills, flour mills, breweries, market women
- Bulk through cooperatives for better bargaining power
- Stagger planting to escape the harvest-season price crash
Watch & learn
Curated, Nigerian-localised training clips from accredited sources and Nigerian farmers.
Commercial Maize Farming in Nigeria for Beginners
Full Nigerian walkthrough of maize as a business.
Watch on YouTubeSee How Nigerian Farmers Boost Maize Yields
Nigerian farmers sharing high-yield practices.
Watch on YouTubeMaize Production Training (Playlist)
Land prep, fertiliser, weed and post-harvest modules.
Watch on YouTubeOne-page cost sheet
Type your figures in the rows below. Totals update live. Print it out and fill the rest with a biro, or download a Word file to keep on your phone.
Youth in Digital Extension · FUTA · TETFund
Maize Production Business
Crop · From land preparation to grain sales — Nigeria's most versatile cereal.
Expected revenue
| Product | Qty | Unit price (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green / roasting maize(bags) | — | ||
| Dry grain(bags) | — |
Land & preparation
| Item | Qty | Unit cost (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land lease / rent(ha) | — | ||
| Clearing & stumping(per ha) | — | ||
| Ploughing & harrowing(per ha) | — | ||
| Ridging(per ha) | — |
Planting material
| Item | Qty | Unit cost (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid seed (e.g. Oba Super, SAMAZ 16)(kg) | — | ||
| Seed treatment(per ha) | — |
Inputs
| Item | Qty | Unit cost (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPK 15-15-15(bags) | — | ||
| Urea (top-dress)(bags) | — | ||
| Pre-emergent herbicide(litres) | — | ||
| Insecticide (fall armyworm)(litres) | — |
Labour
| Item | Qty | Unit cost (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planting(person-days) | — | ||
| Weeding (2×)(person-days) | — | ||
| Fertiliser application(person-days) | — | ||
| Harvest(person-days) | — |
Post-harvest & sales
| Item | Qty | Unit cost (₦) | Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drying (tarpaulin / solar)(per ha) | — | ||
| Storage (PICS bags / Actellic)(bags) | — | ||
| Transport to buyer / market(per trip) | — |
Figures are editable and stay on this device. For planning only — verify current input prices with local agro-dealers and extension officers.