West Bengal to Raise Maize Area by 60,000 Hectares

16-Jul-2025 01:16 PM

Kolkata. To meet the rapidly rising demand for animal feed, poultry feed, and fish feed in West Bengal, the state government has decided to increase the maize production area by 60 thousand hectares over the next three years.

During an event, the state's Food Processing Industry and Horticulture Minister stated that maize cultivation is expanding rapidly in Bengal and is expected to grow further, making it essential to boost the production of this key coarse grain. He added that with the support of civil society, upcoming challenges can be effectively addressed.

The minister also highlighted that nearly 70 percent of agricultural participation in Bengal comes from women, and the government aims to strengthen their role further.

While West Bengal is traditionally known as a major producer of paddy and jute, the state also cultivates a wide range of other crops, including maize, fruits, and vegetables.

Bengal is unique in its geographical diversity, with borders extending from the Himalayan region on one side to the Bay of Bengal on the other. According to official data, Bengal is among the top states in fruit and vegetable production.

Annually, about 163 lakh tonnes of vegetables are produced, of which 95 lakh tonnes are consumed domestically. Similarly, the state produces around 40 lakh tonnes of fruits, with 30-35 lakh tonnes used internally. The surplus fruits and vegetables can be supplied to other states or exported, and steps have already been initiated in this direction.

The government believes that if the target of increasing maize sowing area by 60 thousand hectares is met within three years, production will rise significantly, helping fulfill the growing industrial demand. As a result, the maize-consuming industries in Bengal may no longer need to rely on imports from other states.