Rudrapur, Jan. 11 -- Pantnagar University in Udham Singh Nagar district has developed two advanced hybrid varieties of maize suitable for cultivation in the plain areas of the state. One of the varieties was released by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi on January 4, university officials said. Dr Narendra Kumar Singh, scientist and senior maize breeder at the university, said both varieties have been notified by the central government and are suitable for cultivation during the Kharif season. "The two varieties have been found suitable for cultivation in the plain areas of the state," he said. The two hybrid varieties, named Pant Hybrid Maize-7 and Pant Hybrid Maize-8, have shown high productivity. The yield of maize-7 ranges between 48 and 63 quintals per hectare, while maize-8 produces between 47 and 74 quintals per hectare. Maize-7 produces orange-coloured grains, with the weight of 1,000 grains exceeding 300 grams. Maize-8 bears yellow-coloured, medium-sized grains. "The chances of crop damage during high-velocity winds or heavy rainfall are low as the plants have strong stems and medium height. The plants also remain green and can be used as fodder for cattle," Dr Singh said. He added that the maize-7 variety was formally released by the Union agriculture minister in Delhi....