Good increase in the area of coarse cereals with the help of maize

05-Aug-2025 09:44 PM

New Delhi. Although there has been some reduction in the sowing area of ​​sorghum, millet, ragi and small millets in the category of coarse cereals at the national level during the current Kharif season as compared to last year, but as expected, there has been a tremendous increase of about 10 lakh hectares in the area of ​​maize and with its help the total production area of ​​coarse cereals has also increased by 8 lakh hectares from 165 lakh hectares last year to 173 lakh hectares.

Data from the Union Agriculture Ministry shows that during the current Kharif season, compared to last year, the production area of ​​sorghum in the country slipped from 13.50 lakh hectares to 13.20 lakh hectares, the sowing area of ​​millet decreased from 62.40 lakh hectares to 61.60 lakh hectares and the area of ​​ragi fell from 3.20 lakh hectares to 2.80 lakh hectares.

Similarly, the area under small millets also fell from 3.70 lakh hectares to 3.40 lakh hectares, but the production area under maize jumped from 82 lakh hectares to around 92 lakh hectares, which is 13 lakh hectares more than the normal average area of 79 lakh hectares.

The five-year average area under coarse cereals has been estimated to be 181 lakh hectares this time, while its cultivation has been completed in 173 lakh hectares and the sowing process is still going on.

An increase in the production area of maize was already being anticipated this time as its demand and price remain strong.

Its minimum support price (MSP) has also been increased by Rs 175 from Rs 2225 per quintal for the 2024-25 season to Rs 2400 per quintal for the 2025-26 season. Its consumption in the ethanol manufacturing industry is increasing rapidly, while its demand remains strong in other consuming industries as well.