Sufficient Maize Stock

20-Dec-2025 11:55 AM

Maize production is increasing in line with the growing domestic demand and consumption, which is impacting prices. A large quantity of maize is now being used for ethanol production, while it is also widely used in the poultry industry, animal feed, and starch manufacturing.

While sufficient stocks of maize are available for human consumption, its export performance is weakening due to uncompetitive prices. Government data shows that 125.75 lakh tonnes of maize were used by distilleries during the ethanol marketing season from November 2024 to October 2025. 

During this season, maize-based distilleries were allocated a quota of 477.80 crore liters of ethanol. Domestic production of maize in the entire 2024-25 marketing season reached 434 lakh tonnes, easily meeting all domestic demand.

Domestic maize production is projected to increase to a new record level of 500 lakh tonnes in the entire 2025-26 marketing season.

The area under cultivation for maize surged to a record high during the Kharif season, and indications suggest an increase in acreage during the current Rabi season as well.

Due to bumper production and weak industrial demand, maize prices fell sharply, prompting the Telangana and Karnataka governments to take precautionary measures, but farmers in other states were left to fend for themselves.

Prices have now recovered somewhat, but further increases are needed. To maintain farmers' enthusiasm and interest in maize cultivation, it is essential to ensure better returns.

The introduction of futures trading in maize is now being considered, which could bring stability to the market. Continuous increases in maize production will be necessary in the future.