The average domestic market price of maize in India during December 2024 stood at Rs 2232.41 per quintal, slightly surpassing the government-set minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2225 per quintal for the 2024-25 season. This data reflects the average price from 16 states across the country, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and others.

In comparison, the price of maize in December 2023 was Rs 2051.31 per quintal, indicating an 8.83% increase in December 2024.

When compared to December 2022, when maize was priced at Rs 2065.31 per quintal, the increase is even more pronounced. The rise in maize prices is largely attributed to the growing demand for maize in ethanol production.

However, this increase in price has put pressure on the poultry industry, which relies on maize for feed. Poultry producers are struggling as maize prices are now higher than what they have been accustomed to, particularly after experiencing a prolonged period of lower prices.

Interestingly, despite the high prices, experts note that if poultry industries were to directly purchase from farmers, they could mitigate the cost burden.

In contrast to the concerns raised by the poultry industry, the actual availability of maize is relatively stable. In December 2024, maize arrivals in wholesale markets across India surged to over 16 lakh tonnes,

significantly higher than the 9.48 lakh tonnes recorded in December 2023, marking an 83% increase. This indicates that despite higher market prices, the availability of maize is not as problematic as suggested by some industry voices.

This increase in maize prices offers some relief to farmers, particularly after the struggles they faced in 2020, when the MSP was set at Rs 1850 per quintal, but they were forced to sell for as low as Rs 1100-1200 per quintal in certain states.