ABSTRACT
The maize crop is harvested when the husk has turned yellow and the grains are hard enough having not more than 20 % moisture. The appearance of the plant may be misleading, particularly in the case of high yielding hybrids and composites whose grains are dry, while the stalk and leaves may be still green. In traditional farming systems, the crop is often harvested by hand and cobs are stored in traditional structures. Manual harvesting of maize does not require any specific tool. It simply involves removing the cob from the standing stalk. Maize kernels are separated from the cob by pressing on the grains with the thumbs. According to the operator’s ability, the work rate is about 10 kg per hour. Monitor debris and cracked maize in the grain as harvesting progresses. Debris and cracked corn lower grain quality and increase the potential for spoilage of stored maize.
