Maize Acreage Set to Hit Record High

23-Jul-2025 11:16 AM

During the current Kharif marketing season, the sowing area of maize has significantly increased across most major producing states in India, reflecting strong farmer interest. This surge is largely driven by sustained demand from the feed, poultry, starch, and ethanol industries.

According to data from the Union Agriculture Ministry, as of July 21, the national maize acreage reached 71.21 lakh hectares—about 15 percent higher than the 61.73 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. In Karnataka, the area expanded from 13.87 lakh hectares to 15.23 lakh hectares (as of July 18).

Rajasthan saw an increase from 9.01 to 9.34 lakh hectares. Telangana witnessed a substantial rise from 2.89 to 4.49 lakh hectares, while Maharashtra's maize acreage grew from 9.75 to 12.55 lakh hectares. However, Gujarat saw a decline from 2.74 to 2.19 lakh hectares, as many farmers shifted focus to peanut cultivation.

According to Rahul Chauhan, Director of IGrain India, the key reasons behind the rise in maize cultivation are its profitability, relatively lower input costs, and consistent price performance over the past two years. Compared to soybean and pulses, maize has offered better returns to farmers, making it an increasingly preferred crop.

Official figures indicate that maize sowing reached a record 84.30 lakh hectares in the 2024 Kharif season. Additionally, it covered 27.24 lakh hectares during the 2024–25 Rabi season and 8.40 lakh hectares in the Zaid season. Altogether, the total domestic maize area for the 2024–25 agricultural year stands at 120.17 lakh hectares.

The Ministry has projected maize production for the 2024–25 season to reach 422.80 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than last season’s output of 376.60 lakh tonnes, indicating a strong year for the maize sector.