Maize Output Likely to Rise on Better Sowing, Weather

19-Jul-2025 01:35 PM

Maize production is expected to increase this Kharif season due to better sowing and favorable weather conditions. The consistent southwest monsoon has boosted farmers’ enthusiasm for maize cultivation across major producing states.

The government has raised the minimum support price (MSP) for maize from ₹2,225 per quintal in the 2024–25 season to ₹2,400 per quintal for the 2025–26 season, further encouraging cultivation.

With rising demand from both ethanol production and traditional consumer industries like poultry feed, animal feed, and starch, domestic maize consumption is growing steadily. This strong demand has created a supportive price environment for farmers, offering them good income opportunities.

Official data indicates that India’s maize production in 2024–25 reached a record high of 422.81 lakh tonnes, nearly double the 225.67 lakh tonnes recorded in 2015–16.

However, despite this growth, imports surged to a record 9.70 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 from just 1.37 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Meanwhile, exports fell sharply by 61% to 5.56 lakh tonnes, compared to 14.42 lakh tonnes in 2023–24 and 34.53 lakh tonnes in 2022–23.

The growing use of maize in ethanol, feed, and industrial sectors is expanding its market significantly. At present, maize prices in the domestic market are hovering around the MSP, partly because demand from the ethanol industry has weakened.

The Food Corporation of India is supplying rice for ethanol production at a subsidized rate of ₹2,250 per quintal. Initially, 24 lakh tonnes of rice were earmarked for ethanol use, which was later increased to 52 lakh tonnes.

Given the favorable monsoon and strong interest from farmers, maize production is likely to rise further during the current Kharif season.