India Targets 75 Million Tonnes of Maize Production in Next Decade
03 November 2026, New Delhi: India aims to increase maize production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade, supported by improved crop productivity, innovative breeding technologies, stronger seed systems and farmer-centric research. The target was outlined at the inaugural International Maize Conference 2026, which commenced in Hyderabad on November 2.
The three-day conference, themed “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World” (M4FS), is bringing together national and international scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing maize research, production and value-chain development.
Addressing the conference, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted India’s progress in maize production, which has reached approximately 55 million tonnes, alongside significant productivity gains over the past decade. He called for a further 1.5-fold increase in productivity through technological innovation, improved agronomic practices and more efficient resource utilisation.
Dr. Jat emphasised the need to expand the traditional 4F vision of maize—Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel—to a 5F approach by placing Farmers at the centre of research and development. He stressed that scientific advances and extension services must translate into higher farm profitability and improved farmer livelihoods.
He also called for a systems-based approach to addressing yield gaps, particularly those associated with crop management, and advocated strategic expansion of maize cultivation across seasons and agroecological zones without compromising the production of other important crops, especially oilseeds and pulses. Ensuring affordable access to quality seeds, including public-sector hybrids, was identified as another priority for strengthening the maize sector.
Strengthening Breeding and Seed Systems
Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, described maize as a strategic crop for food, nutritional and energy security. Highlighting progress in maize research and extension over the past five years, including the development of 329 maize hybrids, he called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize).
He emphasised the need to accelerate breeding programmes focused on higher yields, improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Greater input-use efficiency, mechanisation, capacity building and increased public-sector hybrid seed production were also identified as key priorities.
Dr. Yadav further highlighted the importance of collaboration among research institutions, agricultural universities and industry to unlock maize’s potential as a feedstock for ethanol production.
Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, eminent maize scientist and World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated simple and cost-effective breeding approaches to accelerate the development of improved maize varieties and hybrids that address farmers’ requirements.
Research Priorities and Value Chain Development
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, former Secretary, DARE, and former Director General, ICAR, who attended as Chief Guest, stressed the importance of aligning agricultural research priorities with the changing requirements of agriculture and allied sectors.
He called for wider adoption of advanced breeding techniques, systematic conservation and utilisation of germplasm, stronger maize value chains and effective aflatoxin management to ensure the safety and quality of maize for food and feed applications.
Earlier, Dr. H. S. Jat, President of the Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted maize’s strategic role in India’s agricultural transformation. He emphasised stronger collaboration among research institutions, agricultural universities, policymakers and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges and accelerate sectoral development.
Several scientific publications were released during the conference, while awards were presented to eminent scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to maize research and development.
The conference, being held from November 2–4, 2026, in Hyderabad, is focusing on high-yielding varieties and hybrids, nutritional improvement, efficient resource utilisation, mechanisation, robust seed systems and the expanding role of maize in food, feed, fodder and energy security.
The discussions are expected to contribute to a collaborative roadmap for improving productivity, narrowing yield gaps, strengthening seed access and developing sustainable and commercially viable maize value chains in India.
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