Apprehension of Decline in Maize Acreage During the Kharif Season

23-Mar-2026 05:49 PM

New Delhi. Driven by an expansion in the sown area and favorable weather conditions, a robust maize production is projected for the 2025-26 Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The supply and availability situation in domestic markets remains comfortable, and prices are currently trading significantly below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

It was anticipated that ethanol manufacturers would undertake substantial procurement of maize at higher prices, and that—should prices decline nonetheless—the government would step in to procure the crop.

However, neither of these expectations has materialized thus far, leaving farmers feeling deeply disappointed and disheartened.

For the 2025-26 season, the MSP for maize has been fixed at ₹2,400 per quintal. Yet, during the October-December 2025 quarter—when arrivals of the Kharif harvest were at their peak—the national average price plummeted to ₹1,684 per quintal, standing approximately 30 percent below the MSP.

Consequently, it appears likely that during the upcoming Kharif season, a segment of farmers may prioritize sowing pulses and oilseeds over cultivating maize. This could potentially lead to a reduction in the total acreage dedicated to maize cultivation.