Maize Farm Management Program

Program Summary

Start Dates

Duration

Fees

Learning Activities

Course Overview

The Maize Farm Management Program is an all-encompassing training program designed to equip farmers, agribusiness professionals, and agricultural managers with the tools, techniques, and knowledge to establish and manage successful maize farming operations.

Combining theoretical insights with practical field demonstrations, this program covers the entire maize production cycle—from land preparation and seed selection to post-harvest handling and value addition. Participants will also gain skills in soil and nutrient management, pest and disease control, mechanization, and sustainable farming practices.

The course emphasizes strategies to maximize yields, improve profitability, and access local and global markets, while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

What You Will Achieve

1

Hands-on Training

Field demonstrations on maize planting, pest control, and harvesting.

2

Expert Guidance

Sessions led by agronomists and maize industry experts.

3

Networking Opportunities

Connect with peers, processors, and buyers in the maize value chain.

Program Curriculum

Module 1

Understanding the Maize Value Chain

Gain a comprehensive overview of the maize industry, exploring its economic importance and opportunities within the value chain.

Topics Covered:

Global and local demand for maize and maize-based products.
Value addition opportunities, including maize flour, animal feed, and ethanol production.
Key stakeholders in the maize supply chain.
Market dynamics, pricing trends, and opportunities for growth.

Actionable Insights:

Map the value chain to identify key opportunities for value addition.
Explore strategies to meet market demand and access export markets.

Module 2

Land Preparation and Seed Selection

Learn the best practices for land preparation and selecting high-performing maize varieties.

Topics Covered:

Soil testing to assess fertility, pH levels, and nutrient needs.
Land preparation techniques, including plowing, harrowing, and leveling.
Selecting high-yield, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant maize varieties.
Seed treatment and planting spacing for optimal growth.

Actionable Insights:

Create a soil management plan to enhance fertility and drainage.
Select maize varieties that align with your region’s climate and market demands.

Module 3

Irrigation and Water Management

Master irrigation strategies to optimize water use and support maize growth sustainably.

Topics Covered:

Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems for water efficiency.
Scheduling irrigation during critical growth stages (e.g., tasseling and grain filling).
Rainwater harvesting and drainage management to prevent waterlogging.

Actionable Insights:

Develop an irrigation calendar tailored to maize growth stages.
Install rainwater harvesting systems to reduce dependency on external water sources.

Module 4

Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

Learn effective strategies to maintain soil fertility and provide essential nutrients for healthy maize crops.

Topics Covered:

Applying NPK fertilizers and micronutrients like zinc and boron.
Using organic fertilizers, compost, and green manures to improve soil health.
Crop rotation and cover cropping for sustained soil productivity.

Actionable Insights:

Design a fertilization plan based on soil testing results.
Incorporate organic amendments to improve long-term soil health.

Module 5

Pest and Disease Management

Explore integrated pest and disease management (IPM) approaches to protect maize crops.

Topics Covered:

Common pests (e.g., fall armyworms, stem borers) and their control methods.
Preventing diseases like maize streak virus and leaf blight.
Early detection and monitoring techniques for pests and diseases.

Actionable Insights:

Implement an IPM strategy to reduce chemical pesticide reliance.
Use resistant maize varieties to mitigate disease risks.

Module 6

Mechanization and Technology Adoption

Discover how mechanization and modern technology can boost efficiency in maize farming.

Topics Covered:

Mechanized planting, weeding, and harvesting techniques.
Precision agriculture tools like GPS-guided equipment and drones for crop monitoring.
Innovations in maize drying and shelling technologies.

Actionable Insights:

Adopt mechanized tools to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
Use precision farming technologies to monitor crop health and optimize yields.

Module 7

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Learn to minimize post-harvest losses and preserve maize quality for markets.

Topics Covered:

Proper harvesting techniques to reduce kernel damage.
Drying maize to the required moisture content (12–14%).
Storage techniques using hermetic bags and silos to prevent pest infestations.

Actionable Insights:

Implement proper storage practices to maintain maize quality.
Explore innovative packaging solutions for premium markets.

Module 8

Value Addition and Market Access

Discover opportunities to add value to maize and develop strategies to access local and export markets.

Topics Covered:

Processing maize into products like flour, animal feed, starch, and ethanol.
Branding, packaging, and certification for premium markets.
Building buyer relationships with wholesalers, processors, and export markets.

Actionable Insights:

Develop branded maize products to capture niche markets.
Create a marketing plan to connect with local and international buyers.

Module 9

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Learn sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks and ensure long-term productivity.

Topics Covered:

Conservation agriculture practices like no-till farming and crop diversification.
Agroforestry and cover cropping to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Using drought-tolerant maize varieties to adapt to climate change.
Renewable energy solutions for irrigation and processing.

Actionable Insights:

Transition to climate-smart agriculture practices to enhance farm resilience.
Explore carbon credit opportunities through conservation practices.

Why Study at the Nigerian College of Agribusiness?

No other institution in Africa offers such a comprehensive approach to agribusiness and development sector education as the Nigerian College of Agribusiness. We provide a unique blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and industry connections. Here, you will learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and deeply engaged with the latest advancements in their industries.

We leverage interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest research to enhance our programs, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. At NCA, you will continuously engage with thought leaders who are constantly shaping the dynamics of their industries and after graduation, you will be a life-long member of a vibrant alumni community that continually foster cross-disciplinary learning and networking.

Admission Process

STEP 1: Complete the Application for Admission Form for the course

STEP 2: A non-refundable application fee of N20,000 applies and will be deducted from the tuition upon enrollment. This is payable into
Zenith Bank
Account Name: Nigerian College of Agribusiness
Account Number: 1228461510

STEP 3: Attach receipt of Application fee with your highest academic credential and submit to: [email protected]

STEP 4: Upon successful evaluation of your application, you will receive your Admission Letter indicating acceptance into the program. The Letter will also contain details of enrollment into the Course.
Click on the link below to fill the application form for this course

Tuition Fees

Local: N450,000

International Students: $400

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