Uttar Pradesh : ‘Maize cultivation increasingly becoming the preferred crop of many farmers’
Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a shift toward maize cultivation due to its profitability, low water needs, and assured MSP of ₹2,225/quintal. Supported by state programs and quality seeds, farmers in districts like Barabanki are increasing output. CM Yogi praised maize’s versatility and potential. The government aims to double production by 2027, promoting modern techniques and ensuring fair pricing.
Lucknow: The state govt on Tuesday said that many progressive farmers have shifted to maize cultivation because of its economic viability, minimal water requirement and nutritional value.Farmers are also motivated by key drivers including assured procurement at the minimum support price (MSP) and benefits under the Quick Maize Development Programme, a state govt spokesperson said.For the 2024–25 marketing season, the Yogi govt has announced an MSP of Rs 2,225 per quintal for maize.
Procurement began on June 15 and will continue until July 31 in several districts including Bulandshahr, Badaun, Aligarh, Etah, Kasganj, Firozabad, Hathras, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Unnao, Kanpur Nagar, Auraiya, Kannauj, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Bahraich, Ballia, Gonda, Sambhal, Rampur, Ayodhya, and Mirzapur.Applauding the farmers during an event in Auraiya, CM Yogi Adityanath noted that in around 20–25 districts, farmers are earning nearly Rs 2.5 lakh per hectare. He highlighted maize as a versatile crop, useful in producing sweet corn, baby corn, biofuels, and bioplastics.A notable shift has been observed in Barabanki. The district traditionally known for mentha cultivation is seeing a steady rise in maize farming.
With quality seed support from the local administration, blocks like Masauli, Ramsanehighat, Fatehpur, and Nindura have seen growing interest. Offering yields with market prices reaching Rs 2,500/quintal and enabling multiple cropping cycles, maize is proving to be both a profitable and sustainable choice.The spokesperson said that the state govt aims to double maize production in the state by 2027. During the recent state level kharif seminar in Lucknow, agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi urged farmers to scale up cultivation of strategic crops like maize.Given its wide range of uses the demand for maize is expected to increase steadily. “The govt is creating awareness, offering technical support, and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices through MSP.
Rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, maize is rightly called the ‘Queen of Grains’,” the spokesperson said.Experts believe that with modern farming techniques, maize yields can go up to 100 quintals per hectare. Currently, Tamil Nadu leads with an average yield of 59.39 quintals per hectare. The national average stands at 26 quintals. UP’s average was 21.63 quintals in 2021–22, indicating vast potential for growth.According to Dr SK Tomar, in-charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Belipar (Gorakhpur), the best sowing window formaize is from June 15 to July 15. If irrigation is available, sowing can begin in late May. This ensures early growth before heavy rains.
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Source : The Times Of India
