Poultry Feed Industry Seeks Permission for Duty-Free Maize Imports

Hyderabad. Concerned by rising feed prices and weak demand for their products during an 'El Niño' year, the poultry industry is strongly urging the government to permit the duty-free import of non-GMO maize. Furthermore, the industry has requested that the government facilitate the release of damaged food grain stocks held by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)—which are unfit for human consumption—for use in poultry feed.

At a significant meeting recently held in Hyderabad, various associations, organizations, and establishments linked to the poultry industry discussed several pressing issues and challenges, ultimately requesting the government to authorize the duty-free import of maize.

Maize production is expected to decline due to a reduction in the area sown during the 2026-27 Kharif season, compounded by unfavorable weather and monsoon conditions. Simultaneously, demand for maize in ethanol production is projected to rise, following the government's ban on the use of certain sugarcane-based ingredients for ethanol manufacturing. Historically, the poultry industry was the largest consumer of maize; it continues to utilize the grain in substantial quantities.

Under India’s Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system, maize has frequently been imported—either duty-free or at a minimal tariff—from countries such as Ukraine and Myanmar. While total domestic maize production reached an all-time high of 55.1 million tonnes (551 lakh tonnes) during the 2025-26 season, output is now anticipated to fall in the 2026-27 season.