MUMBAI, 26 October 2023: Maize, also known as corn, is a versatile cereal crop that is grown in all regions of India. It is the third-largest cereal crop in India after rice and wheat, and it plays an important role in the country's food security and economy.
Maize production in India
Maize production in India has been increasing steadily in recent years. In 2022-23, maize production is estimated to reach 34.6 million tonnes, up from 33.7 million tonnes in the previous year. This increase in production is attributed to a number of factors, including:
- Increased adoption of high-yielding varieties and hybrid seeds
- Improved agronomic practices, such as irrigation and fertilization
- Expansion of the area under maize cultivation
- Government support measures, such as subsidies and price support mechanisms
Maize consumption in India
Maize is a staple food for millions of people in India. It is also used as a feedstock for poultry and livestock, and as an industrial raw material in the production of starch, oil, and biofuels.
The demand for maize in India is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as:
- Population growth
- Rising incomes
- Increasing demand for poultry and livestock products
- Expanding industrial uses of maize
Opportunities for maize cultivation in India
There are a number of opportunities for maize cultivation in India. Some of the key opportunities include:
- Increasing productivity: The average maize yield in India is still lower than the global average. There is significant potential to increase maize productivity through the adoption of improved agronomic practices, high-yielding varieties, and hybrid seeds.
- Expanding the area under cultivation: Maize can be grown in a variety of agro-climatic conditions in India. There is scope to expand the area under maize cultivation in marginal and rainfed areas.
- Diversification: Maize can be used to produce a variety of value-added products, such as starch, oil, biofuels, and sweet corn. There is an opportunity to diversify maize production to meet the growing demand for these products.
- Value chain development: There is a need to develop the maize value chain in India to improve the efficiency and profitability of the crop. This includes investments in storage, processing, and marketing infrastructure.
Outlook for maize in India
The outlook for maize in India is positive. The demand for maize is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and increasing demand for poultry and livestock products.
The Indian government is also supportive of maize cultivation. The government has launched a number of initiatives to promote maize production, such as the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET), the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
With the right policies and investments, India has the potential to become a major exporter of maize in the coming years.
Here are some specific opportunities for maize cultivation in India in the next five years:
- Increased demand for ethanol production: The Indian government has set a target of blending 20% ethanol with gasoline by 2025. This will create a huge demand for ethanol, which can be produced from maize.
- Growing poultry and livestock sector: The poultry and livestock sector is growing rapidly in India. This is increasing the demand for maize, which is used as a feedstock for these animals.
- Expanding starch and oil industry: The starch and oil industry in India is expanding rapidly. Maize is a key raw material for these industries.
- Growing demand for value-added maize products: There is a growing demand for value-added maize products, such as sweet corn, baby corn, popcorn, and cornflakes. This is due to rising incomes and changing lifestyles.
To capitalize on these opportunities, farmers need to:
- Adopt improved agronomic practices to increase maize productivity.
- Use high-yielding varieties and hybrid seeds.
- Expand the area under maize cultivation, especially in marginal and rainfed areas.
- Diversify maize production to produce value-added products.
- Connect with buyers and processors to get better prices for their produce.
The government also needs to play a role in promoting maize cultivation by:
- Investing in storage, processing, and marketing infrastructure.
- Providing subsidies and price support mechanisms to farmers.
- Developing new varieties of maize that are resistant to pests and diseases.
- Promoting research and development in the maize sector.
With the right policies and investments, India can become a major producer and exporter of maize in the coming years.
By Jagdish Kumar, Editor
Image credit: peptechbio.com