Maize Prices in Tamil Nadu Expected to Reach ₹2,700 per Quintal

Coimbatore: In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, wholesale market prices for maize are projected to climb to a peak of ₹2,700 per quintal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that, much like the southwest monsoon, the northeast monsoon rainfall in southern India is likely to be below the long-term average. This could potentially damage the maize crop.

According to a report by the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University—based on an analysis of price trends in the state’s Udumalpet market over the last 15 years and a comprehensive market assessment—maize prices are expected to remain high and firm in the near future.

The report notes that maize prices will stay elevated until the harvest season begins; thereafter, price movements will largely depend on supply, particularly from Bihar. Producers are advised to make informed decisions regarding the sale of their maize based on prevailing market conditions to maximize their returns.

Should the northeast monsoon rainfall in the southern states fall below the average, it will inevitably impact maize yields, supply, availability, and prices. In Tamil Nadu, maize is cultivated across approximately 540,000 hectares, with an annual production ranging between 3 million and 3.5 million tonnes. Key maize-producing districts in the state include Salem, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Villupuram, and Tiruppur.