Maize Drives Significant Increase in Coarse Grain Acreage
30-Sep-2025 06:03 PM
New Delhi. Indian farmers have shown tremendous enthusiasm and interest in maize cultivation this year, leading to a significant increase of 10.65 lakh hectares compared to last year.
The area under cultivation for other Kharif coarse grains experienced normal fluctuations, but maize accounted for a 12 lakh hectare increase in the total production area.
According to the latest data from the Union Agriculture Ministry, the national area under coarse grain production has jumped from 182.66 lakh hectares to 194.67 lakh hectares during the current Kharif season, as of September 26, 2025, compared to last year.
Under this, the area under sorghum fell from 14.15 lakh hectares to 14.07 lakh hectares, and the area under millet fell from 68.65 lakh hectares to 68.44 lakh hectares.
However, the area under ragi increased from 11.00 lakh hectares to 11.81 lakh hectares, and the area under maize jumped from 84.30 lakh hectares to 94.95 lakh hectares.
Furthermore, the area under small millets also increased from 4.56 lakh hectares to 5.39 lakh hectares. It is believed that maize led to a significant decline in the production area under soybean, cotton, and peanuts this year.
The area under maize increased in almost all major producing states, including Maharashtra. The area under coarse cereals increased in some areas, including Maharashtra.
Coarse grain crops are expected to be damaged in some areas due to excessive rainfall and flooding, but overall crop conditions are reported to be normal or satisfactory. Maize, in particular, is in good condition, and production is expected to increase significantly.
This is expected to provide a significant supply of raw material (maize) to the ethanol manufacturing industry. Regarding sorghum and millet, production is unlikely to fluctuate significantly, but finger millet production may improve somewhat. Small millet production may remain satisfactory. New supplies of coarse grains are expected to pick up soon.