Sharp Decline of Over 8 Lakh Hectares in Maize Sowing Area

27-Jul-2026 01:47 PM

New Delhi: Indian farmers are showing diminishing interest in cultivating maize, a key crop in the coarse cereals category. While the sowing area for maize has seen a healthy increase in Madhya Pradesh and a slight rise in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh compared to last year, significant reductions in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh have led to a sharp overall decline of more than 8 lakh hectares. The pace of sowing is also slowing down.

Data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture reveals that, as of July 24 during the current Kharif season, the total area under maize cultivation across the country stood at 77.80 lakh hectares—8.35 lakh hectares less than the 86.15 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.

Although the actual acreage is close to the estimated five-year average of 80.77 lakh hectares, the gap appears substantial because the sowing area had surged to a record high during the 2025 Kharif season. Currently, wholesale market prices for maize are well below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,400 per quintal, dampening farmer enthusiasm and interest. Domestic demand also remains weak.