Reference:

• The 11th India Maize Summit was organized at the FICCI Federation House, New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Organizers: Jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR)
• Inauguration: By Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Objective: To make maize cultivation productive, sustainable, and profitable
• Theme: Focused on productivity, innovation, and commercial use (especially ethanol)

Status of the Maize Sector

• Production: Increased from 10 million metric tons in the 1990s to 42.3 million metric tons in 2025
• Target: 86 million tons by 2047 and 65–70 million tons by 2030
• Productivity: Currently 3.7 tons/hectare, which is below global standards. Bihar and West Bengal are leading states
• Growth: Area increased by 31% (1.2 crore hectares), production by 75% (40 million tons)
• Demand-Supply: Consumption is growing at 6.7%, while production is growing at 5.8%
• Uses: Poultry feed (51%), ethanol (18–20%), food, and industrial applications

Uttar Pradesh Accelerated Maize Development Programme

• Initiative: Discussed by UP Minister Surya Pratap Shahi as part of a five-year strategy
• Expansion: 5,40,000 hectares across 24 districts, confirmed via satellite surveys
• Productivity: Currently 34 quintals/hectare, target 40 quintals/hectare this season
• Industrial Contribution: 15 companies engaged in maize processing, focus on biodegradable products
• Support: Procurement at MSP and availability of quality seeds

Technological Innovations and Research

• ICAR-IIMR: Dr. H.S. Jat targeted 8–9% growth to reach 65–70 million tons by 2030
• Improved Varieties: 10–11 tons/hectare in Rabi, 7–8 tons/hectare in Kharif, 64–65% fermentable starch
• Ethanol Recovery: Goal to increase from 38% to 42%
• Technology: Use of drones, precision farming, and organic agriculture
• FICCI & Corteva: Subrato Gid emphasized digital agriculture, robust seed systems, and collaborative ecosystems

Market Analysis

• Yes Bank: Sanjay Vuppuluri highlighted maize as the fastest-growing cereal crop
• Growth: Area 31%, production 75%
• Demand-Supply Gap: Consumption 6.7%, production 5.8%
• Consumers: Poultry (51%), ethanol (18%), food and energy security

Government Policies and Support

• Developed Agricultural Resolve: Research from lab to farm
• MSP & Seeds: Procurement and quality seed availability
• Ethanol Blending: Target of E30
• Shri Anna Scheme: Promoting maize and millets

Maize (Corn)

• Also called corn, it is one of the major cereal crops in the world
• Known as the “Queen of Cereals” in India
• Origin: Central and South America (Mexico), about 10,000 years ago
• Introduction in India: Brought by Portuguese in the 16th century

Cultivation and Production

• Climate: Warm and humid, suitable for Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid seasons
• Soil: Loamy and sandy-loam soils with pH 5.5–7.5
• Major States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal
• Productivity: 3.7 tons/hectare (below global average)

Uses

• Food: Corncobs, flour, popcorn, cornflakes
• Animal Feed: 51% usage
• Industrial: Starch, glucose, biodegradable plastic
• Biofuel: Ethanol (18–20%)
• Others: Fodder and compost from husk and stalks

Nutritional Value

• Components: Carbohydrates (70–75%), Protein (8–10%), Vitamins (A, B, E), Minerals
• Feature: Gluten-free

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) :

• Full Name: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• Established: 1927 on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi
• Founders: Ghanshyam Das Birla and Purushottamdas Thakurdas
• Headquarters: New Delhi