20-July-2024-Editorial

MAIZE PRODUCTION IN INDIA

India’s maize industry has undergone a transformative shift from being a simple feed crop to becoming a vital element in the fuel and industrial sectors.

This development is part of a broader agricultural revolution, mirroring the historic changes in wheat and rice, but with a modern twist driven by private-sector advancements.

Current State of Maize Production in India

Production Growth:

• Since 1999-2000, maize production in India has surged from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes annually.
• Average yields per hectare have increased from 1.8 tonnes to 3.3 tonnes.
• India ranks as the fifth-largest maize producer globally, contributing 2.59% of global production as of 2020.

Importance and Distribution:

• Maize is the third most crucial cereal crop in India, after rice and wheat, constituting about 10% of the country’s total food grain production.
• Major maize-growing states include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Maize is cultivated year-round, with 85% of the area dedicated to Kharif season cultivation.

Export Data:

• India exported 3,453,680.58 MT of maize worth Rs 8,987.13 crores in the 2022-23 period.
• Key export destinations are Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Usage:

• Approximately 60% of maize is used for feed, primarily for poultry and livestock, while only about 20% is consumed directly by humans.
• Maize is a significant energy source in livestock feed and is also utilized in industries for starch and ethanol production.

Maize’s Green Revolution: Comparison with Wheat and Rice

Pollination Differences:

• Unlike self-pollinating crops like wheat and rice, maize is cross-pollinating, making hybrid breeding commercially viable.
• The Green Revolution in wheat and rice focused on high-yielding varieties, whereas maize’s revolution is primarily driven by the private sector.

Hybrid Varieties:

• Private-sector hybrids dominate over 80% of maize cultivation, with high yields restricted to the first generation due to seed self-termination.

Innovative Breeding:

• The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the “waxy” maize hybrid (AQWH-4) with a high amylopectin starch content, which is better suited for ethanol production.
• The waxy maize hybrid features 93.9% amylopectin compared to the normal maize starch’s 70%, improving starch recovery and fermentation rates.

Initiatives to Promote Maize in India

National Food Security Mission (NFSM):

• Aims to increase maize production to enhance food security and farmer incomes.

India Maize Summit (2022):

• Focuses on sustainable maize supply and farmer prosperity.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

• Supports agricultural development, including maize cultivation.

The Green Revolution: A Historical Context

Origins:

• Initiated by Norman Borlaug in the 1960s, focusing on high-yielding wheat varieties, and later supported by M.S. Swaminathan in India.

Impact:

• Transformed India from a food-deficient nation to a major agricultural producer.
• Introduced modern irrigation methods, mechanization, and chemical fertilizers.
• Promoted double cropping and expansion of cultivation areas.

Outcomes:

• Increased grain output significantly, making India a leading exporter of wheat and rice.
• Contributed to poverty alleviation and improved farmer incomes.

Challenges:

• Environmental issues, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
• Increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate change.

Conclusion

The evolution of India’s maize industry represents a significant shift towards modern agricultural practices, enhancing both domestic and global relevance. As maize production continues to grow and diversify, the initiatives to promote its cultivation and innovation will play a crucial role in shaping India’s agricultural future. Understanding the parallels between the Green Revolution in maize and other cereals provides valuable insights into the ongoing transformation in Indian agriculture.