Maize is the crop that feeds Ghana — on the plate as banku, kenkey and tuo zaafi, and in the trough as the main energy source in poultry feed. That double demand makes maize one of the most dependable crops a Ghanaian farmer can grow. This beginner's guide covers how to plant, manage and profit from maize, and why it matters so much to poultry farmers.
Why maize and poultry go together
Maize makes up a large share of poultry feed, so its price directly drives the cost of raising chickens. Farmers who grow their own maize — or buy it well at harvest — protect themselves from the feed-price swings that squeeze poultry margins. See our feed price guide for how much this matters.
Planting seasons in Ghana
Most of Ghana has two rainy seasons, giving two maize cropping windows in the south:
- Major season — planting with the first rains, roughly March to April.
- Minor season — planting around August to September.
In the north, there is one main season tied to the single rainy period (roughly May–July planting). Timing planting with reliable rains is the most important decision you'll make — plant too early and seed rots or seedlings wilt; too late and you miss the rains at grain-filling.
Land preparation
Clear the land, then either plough and harrow or, increasingly, use minimum tillage with careful weed control. A clean, well-drained seedbed gives even germination. On sloping land, plant across the slope to reduce erosion and hold moisture.
Spacing and seed rate
Correct spacing is where many farmers leave yield on the table. A standard recommendation:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Row spacing | ~75 cm between rows |
| Plant spacing | ~40 cm within the row |
| Seeds per hole | 2 seeds, thinned to the stronger plant |
| Seed needed | ~8–10 kg per acre (use improved/certified seed) |
Use improved or hybrid certified seed rather than saved grain — the yield difference is large. Certified seed is available through agro-dealers and input programmes.
Fertiliser and weed control
Maize is a hungry crop. A common approach is a compound fertiliser (NPK) at or shortly after planting, followed by a nitrogen top-dressing (urea or ammonium sulphate) when the plants are knee-high (about 3–5 weeks). Keep the field weed-free for the first 6 weeks — this early period decides your yield more than anything else. Weeds compete hardest when the crop is young, so weed early, whether by hand, hoe or approved herbicide.
Watch for fall armyworm
Fall armyworm is now a serious maize pest across Ghana. Scout your field regularly, especially in the whorl (the funnel of young leaves) where the caterpillars hide and feed. Catch it early and control it promptly with recommended methods — a heavy infestation can devastate a young crop. Ask your agro-dealer or extension officer for current advice.
Harvest and expected yields
Maize is usually ready about 3–4 months after planting, when the husks are dry and the grain is hard. Yields vary enormously with management: traditional low-input farming may give around 1–1.5 tonnes per acre, while improved seed, correct spacing, fertiliser and good weed and pest control can push well above that. The gap between a poorly managed and a well-managed acre is often two- or three-fold — management, not luck, decides your harvest.
Storage and selling
Dry the grain properly (to avoid mould and aflatoxin) and store it in clean, dry, pest-protected conditions. Prices are lowest right after harvest when everyone sells, and higher in the lean season — so farmers who can dry and store well often earn more by holding. Maize buyers include feed millers, poultry farms (like ours), aggregators, and the food market. Selling directly to a poultry operation can cut out the middleman.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant maize in Ghana?
How much maize can I harvest per acre in Ghana?
Why is maize important for poultry farmers?
What is the biggest pest of maize in Ghana?
Maize, produce and poultry — all at Agro Prime
Alongside our Kasoa hatchery, we run a growing maize farm and supply produce and manure. Whether you grow maize, buy feed, or raise birds, we can help. Book a produce or advisory meeting or message us on WhatsApp.
