News Capsule: Maize production in India is continuously increasing.
18-Dec-2025 11:39 AM
News Capsule: Maize production in India is continuously increasing.
★ India’s maize output is estimated to rise to around 500 lakh tonnes, compared with about 430 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. The increase is driven by higher productivity, wider use of improved seed varieties, and rising demand from the ethanol sector.
★ Production is projected to reach around 700 lakh tonnes by 2030 and nearly 1,400 lakh tonnes by 2047.
★ The government is working to raise maize’s share in ethanol production from the current level of about 50% to 80% over time. However, lower ethanol allocations in the latest tenders have altered the maize demand outlook. In addition, the allocation of about 40% FCI rice for ethanol production from grains has also impacted maize demand.
★ Maize prices, which touched a peak of around ₹2,700 per quintal last year, have now declined to about ₹1,800 per quintal.
With adequate ethanol stocks available, several industry bodies are urging the government to increase blending levels.
★ Until ethanol demand improves, high stocks are likely to keep pressure on maize prices.
★ Looking ahead, the ethanol pathway appears increasingly challenging, and exiting maize may be considered a prudent move under the current conditions.