Corn Silk: Sustainable Health and Agribusiness Opportunities explores the untapped potential of corn silk, a by- product of maize cultivation that is traditionally discarded despite its long-standing use in indigenous and traditional health systems. The book brings attention to corn silk as a meaningful bioresource that can contribute simultaneously to human health, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihood enhancement. By moving beyond its conventional perception as agricultural waste, the book reframes corn silk as a resource with scientific, nutritional, and economic significance.

Grounded in decades of academic research, laboratory studies, and field-level experience, the book presents a comprehensive account of the biological role of corn silk, its nutritional profile, and its rich composition of bioactive compounds. It explains the physiological relevance of these components in a clear, evidence-based manner while also addressing practical considerations such as harvesting methods, processing techniques, preservation strategies, and pathways for product development. This balanced treatment ensures that scientific knowledge is closely linked with real-world applicability.

A key strength of the book is its integrated and interdisciplinary approach. In addition to health and nutrition aspects, it examines agribusiness opportunities, market potential, value chain development, financial planning, regulatory requirements, and policy frameworks. This structure reflects the practical reality that sustainable utilization of agricultural by-products requires coordination across science, enterprise, and governance. By presenting these dimensions together, the book supports informed decision-making for researchers, entrepreneurs, extension professionals, and policymakers.

Written in a style that balances scientific rigor with clarity, the book is intended for a diverse readership. Students and researchers gain a strong evidence-based foundation, while practitioners, entrepreneurs, and extension workers find practical insights for implementation and scaling. Ultimately, the book encourages a shift in perspective, advocating for corn silk to be recognized not as waste, but as a versatile resource capable of contributing to improved health outcomes, resilient rural economies, and more sustainable food systems.

Dr. Rita Singh Raghuvanshi, Emeritus Scientist in the Department of Food and Nutrition at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, has had her Ph.D. in Paediatric Nutrition from BHU and further UNDP/FAO fellowship at LSHTM, London, U.K. She has also served the University in key academic leadership positions, including Dean, College of Home Science, and played an instrumental role in strengthening academic and research and extension programmes. With a distinguished career spanning teaching, research, administration, and outreach, she is widely recognized for her contributions to human nutrition, indigenous and traditional food systems, and community-based nutrition interventions. Her work emphasizes sustainable utilization of local food resources, value addition, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture for improving household food and nutrition security. She has led and guided numerous externally funded research and extension projects, supervised a large number of postgraduate and doctoral, post-doctoral scholars, and authored and edited several scientific publications and books. Her contributions have consistently bridged academic research with community and policy relevance.

Dr. Reetika Bhatt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Rural Management, College of Agribusiness Management, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. She holds a Ph.D. in Agribusiness Management and has extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. Her areas of expertise include agribusiness development, rural entrepreneurship, consumer behaviour, financial inclusion, and agricultural value-chain analysis. She has actively contributed to interdisciplinary research integrating agriculture, nutrition, and rural livelihoods, with a particular focus on market linkages, enterprise development, and sustainable agribusiness models. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to edited volumes, bringing a strong market-oriented and policy-relevant perspective to academic and extension initiatives.

Apurva is a UGC-NET-JRF qualified nutrition researcher and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Food and Nutrition at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. She holds a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition and has been actively involved in research and extension projects focusing on nutritional evaluation, functional food development, and valorization of underutilized agricultural resources. Her work spans laboratory-based nutritional analysis, community surveys, product formulation, and preparation of extension and scientific publications. She has contributed to research articles and books addressing nutrition security, sustainable food systems, and community nutrition, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific evidence into practical applications for diverse populations.

Section I: Nutrition and Processing of Corn Silk

• Corn Silk and Its Strategic Importance
• Cultivation, Harvesting, and Processing
• Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value
• Health and Pharmaceutical Aspects

Section II: Agribusiness with Corn Silk: Marketing and Financial Aspects

• Current Applications and Products Across Industries
• Market Dynamics and Business Planning
• Value Chain Management of Corn Silk

Section III: Regulations and Legal Framework for Corn Silk

• Sustainability, Social Impact, and Ethical Considerations of Corn Silk
• Regulatory Landscape and Trade Dynamics of Corn Silk
• Regulation for MSME and Building Bye-Laws
• Future Outlook and Policy Recommendations