Maize (makka) was introduced into India in the seventeenth century via

The correct answer is Portugal.

Key Points

• Maize (makka) was introduced into India by the Portuguese during their extensive maritime trade and colonial expeditions in the 17th century.
• The Portuguese were instrumental in transferring crops like maize, cashews, and chili peppers to India as part of the Columbian Exchange.
• Maize is a staple cereal crop and is highly versatile, finding applications in food, fodder, and industrial uses in India.
• The crop's adaptability to varying agro-climatic conditions contributed to its widespread cultivation in India.
• India is now one of the largest producers of maize, with the crop being grown predominantly in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Additional Information

• The Columbian Exchange:
  • A term used to describe the exchange of crops, animals, and culture between the New World (Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) following Christopher Columbus's voyages.
  • It introduced crops like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes to Asia and Europe, while crops like wheat and sugarcane were brought to the Americas.
• Portuguese Influence in India:
  • The Portuguese arrived in India in 1498, with Vasco da Gama landing in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode).
  • They established trade routes and brought crops like maize, cashew nuts, and chili peppers to India.
• Maize as a Crop:
  • Maize belongs to the grass family Poaceae and is scientifically known as Zea mays.
  • It is a C4 plant, making it highly efficient in photosynthesis, especially in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Economic Importance of Maize in India:
  • Maize contributes significantly to India's agricultural GDP and is a key crop for food security.
  • It is used in industries for producing starch, oil, and ethanol, apart from being used as animal feed.
• Global Spread of Maize:
  • Maize originated in Mesoamerica and was domesticated by indigenous peoples around 9,000 years ago.
  • It spread globally after the Columbian Exchange, becoming a staple crop in many countries.