A farmer in Rajasthan’s Sikar district has achieved a remarkable feat in agriculture by developing a multi-coloured maize variety. This maize is not only visually striking but also rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
Transition to Organic Farming
Sanjay Yadav, a farmer from Piprali village, shifted entirely to natural and organic farming in 2012. He stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, adopting home-made compost and drip irrigation instead. These methods preserved soil fertility and produced crops free from toxic residues. Consequently, his organic produce fetched higher prices in the market.
Inspiration and Innovation
Sanjay’s journey took a turning point when he attended a workshop at the agricultural research centre in Fathpur. There, he received training on developing hybrid and improved seeds. Inspired by this knowledge, he aimed to create maize that was unique in appearance and highly nutritious.
He combined seeds from different maize varieties—white, yellow, light red, and deep red—to produce a multi-coloured crop. The maize ears now contain grains of white, yellow, and red, creating a visually appealing and nutrient-rich product.
Nutritional and Market Benefits
This new maize variety is abundant in antioxidants and essential nutrients. The combination of colours indicates diverse phytonutrients, offering potential health benefits. Sanjay sold his maize directly in local markets, with prices reaching up to 200 Indian rupees per ear.
He has also filed a patent application for this innovative maize. His vision is to share the seeds with other farmers, enabling them to increase both income and crop diversity while maintaining organic cultivation standards.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Sanjay Yadav’s approach highlights the value of traditional farming methods combined with modern seed development techniques. By eliminating chemical inputs, he ensures sustainable agriculture while enhancing nutritional quality. His success encourages other farmers to adopt natural methods and explore creative crop development.
Future Prospects
With patent protection and potential seed distribution, this multi-coloured maize could expand across India and beyond. It represents a model for combining innovation, nutrition, and sustainability in farming. Sanjay’s efforts demonstrate that organic, high-quality produce can generate better profits while protecting the environment.
