National push for maize transformation
11th Maize Summit Unveils New Era for Maize Revolution: The 11th India Maize Summit was inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 7, 2025, in New Delhi. The event, jointly organized by FICCI and the Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), aimed to reshape India’s maize sector.
A central highlight was the unveiling of a strategic roadmap to boost maize output, enhance farmer income, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The summit called for a “Maize Revolution”, mirroring past successful crop-based movements like the Green Revolution.
India targets doubling maize output
India’s maize production rose from 10 million tonnes in 1990 to over 42 million tonnes today. The new goal is to reach 86 million tonnes by 2047, aligning with national food security and energy targets.
Yet, India’s average maize yield remains 3.7 tonnes per hectare, which is lower than the global average. Addressing this gap through research, seed quality, and education is a top policy focus.
Static GK fact: Maize is India’s third most important cereal crop after rice and wheat.
Lab to land strategy gains pace
A key government initiative, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, was highlighted as a major breakthrough. Under this, over 11,000 scientists and officers were sent to 7,000–8,000 villages, linking scientific innovation with grassroots agriculture.
This move is expected to drastically improve farming techniques, crop planning, and yield efficiency.
Static GK tip: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body for coordinating agricultural research in India.
Uttar Pradesh leads state-wise action
UP Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi shared success under the Accelerated Maize Development Program, a five-year project that expanded maize cultivation to 5.4 lakh hectares across 24 districts.
The state now reports an average yield of 34 quintals per hectare, with projections of reaching 40 quintals this season. The initiative also attracted 15 companies for maize-based processing and eco-friendly product development.
Ethanol and market opportunities
Dr. H.S. Jat, Director of ICAR-IIMR, said India must increase maize production by 8–9% annually to meet the E30 ethanol blending target by 2030. Focus is being placed on high-starch maize varieties to support ethanol output.
Subroto Geed from FICCI and Sunjay Vuppuluri from YES Bank emphasized that maize is central to India’s biofuel, poultry feed, and food security ecosystems. Demand is currently outpacing supply, necessitating advanced seed systems and digital tools.
Static GK fact: India aims to achieve 30% ethanol blending (E30) by 2030 to reduce fuel imports and carbon emissions.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Detail |
| Event Name | 11th India Maize Summit |
| Date | July 7, 2025 |
| Venue | New Delhi |
| Organizers | FICCI and ICAR-IIMR |
| Key Initiative | Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan |
| Yield Goal | 86 million tonnes by 2047 |
| UP State Program | Accelerated Maize Development Program |
| Ethanol Target | E30 blending by 2030 |
| Current Average Yield | 3.7 tonnes/hectare |
| Main Uses of Maize | Poultry feed (51%), Ethanol (18%), Food, Industry |
