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CURRENT AFFAIRS
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On July 7, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 11th India Maize Summit in New Delhi. The event was jointly organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR). The summit focused on enhancing maize cultivation, improving farmers' income, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. A major highlight was the announcement of a strategic roadmap for a “Maize Revolution” in India.
Government’s Roadmap: Farmers First And Forward
During his address, Minister Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, stating that agricultural policies are rooted in the principle of “Farmers First.” He introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at increasing maize production through scientific research, farmer-centric education, and adoption of advanced agricultural techniques.
India's maize output has witnessed significant growth from 10 million tonnes in 1990 to over 42 million tonnes today. The ambitious goal is to double this to 86 million tonnes by 2047. However, India’s average maize yield of 3.7 tonnes per hectare still falls short of the global average, highlighting the need for improved agronomic practices and productivity enhancement.
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Bridging Research And Reality
To bring agricultural research closer to rural communities, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan deployed nearly 11,000 agricultural scientists and officials across 7,000 to 8,000 villages. Their mission: to directly engage with farmers and transfer knowledge from laboratories to farmlands, facilitating the use of climate-smart and yield-enhancing techniques.
Uttar Pradesh Maize Success Story
Uttar Pradesh’s Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi presented the progress under the Accelerated Maize Development Program, a five-year initiative by the state government. This year, maize cultivation expanded to 5.4 lakh hectares across 24 districts, with satellite imaging confirming this growth.
Thanks to improved seed varieties and agronomic support, the state's average maize yield has reached 34 quintals per hectare, with projections to surpass 40 quintals this season. The state has also attracted 15 maize processing companies, and is exploring value-added maize products, such as biodegradable plastics and fiber-based materials.
Industry Insights: Ethanol, Feed, And Climate Resilience
Dr. H.S. Jat, Director of ICAR-IIMR, emphasized the need for annual maize production growth of 8–9% to meet the government’s E30 ethanol blending target by 2030. He noted that new maize hybrids are being developed to increase starch content, thereby improving ethanol yield per acre.
Subroto Geed, Co-Chair of FICCI’s Agriculture Committee, described maize as a cornerstone of India’s food and energy systems. He advocated for enhanced use of digital farming tools, robust seed systems, and climate-resilient practices to make India a global leader in sustainable maize production.
Sunjay Vuppuluri from YES Bank echoed this sentiment, noting that maize has become India’s fastest-growing cereal. In the last decade, the maize-growing area expanded by 31%, and total output surged by 75%. However, rising demand especially from the poultry feed (51%) and ethanol (18%) sectors is outpacing supply.
Towards Maize-Driven Future
The 11th India Maize Summit served as a platform to align stakeholders from policymakers to scientists and industry leaders on the path to a “Maize Revolution.” With the right investments in research, infrastructure, and farmer support, India aims not only to enhance maize output but also to transform it into a strategic crop for food security, energy sustainability, and rural prosperity.
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