Efforts to increase maize production in Punjab

07-Jun-2025 11:56 AM

Chandigarh. Maize has once again emerged as an important and popular coarse grain due to its rising demand and consumption, especially for ethanol production and other industrial uses. In recent years, farmers had distanced themselves from maize cultivation due to weak market prices and frequent losses. However, the scenario is changing, and farmers are now showing renewed interest in maize with growing enthusiasm.

To further encourage maize production, the Central Government has increased its minimum support price (MSP) by Rs 175—from Rs 2225 per quintal to Rs 2400 per quintal. Despite this positive development, the situation in Punjab remains unique, as paddy remains the most preferred crop during the Kharif season, and farmers are generally unwilling to shift away from it.

As a result, the Punjab government is making a concerted effort to motivate farmers to switch from paddy to maize, at least in selected areas. The state has launched a pilot program in six districts—Sangrur, Bathinda, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala—where farmers will receive financial incentives for choosing maize over paddy. Those who sow maize in fields previously used for paddy will receive Rs 17,500 per hectare as support. Additionally, the government has assured farmers that their maize will be purchased at the MSP.

It remains to be seen how many farmers in these districts respond positively and adopt maize cultivation under the new initiative.