Maize: Ethanol Blending Program Gives Lifeline

03-Jan-2025 10:54 AM

Maize: Ethanol Blending Program Gives Lifeline
Nine years ago, maize was sold at ₹850 per quintal, but now it is priced at ₹2700-2800.
Despite good production in the last three seasons (summer, rabi, and kharif 2024), prices have not faced much pressure.
All the maize brought by farmers was sold quickly and went into stock.
Due to the halt in ethanol production from sugar, cane juice, and heavy B molasses last year, maize consumption increased. However, now ethanol production from sugar, cane juice, and molasses is allowed, but maize demand remains strong.
Maize has emerged as a "yellow gold."
New warehouses were built in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and some regions of Uttar Pradesh exclusively for stocking maize.
If prices remain strong, it is expected that farmers' interest in maize will naturally increase in the upcoming kharif season.
A significant increase in the area under maize cultivation is expected in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra during the upcoming kharif season.
Good sowing prospects are also anticipated in Bihar for the rabi season.
Maize demand for ethanol is expected to continue for at least 4 months, and prices are likely to remain strong in the future.