The Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious goal to double maize production by 2027, aiming for a total output of 27.30 lakh metric tonnes within this timeframe. To achieve this target, officials announced a focus on expanding the cultivated area and enhancing yields per hectare.

In support of this initiative, the Yogi Adityanath administration has launched the ‘Rapid Maize Development Scheme’ to provide comprehensive assistance to maize farmers. For the fiscal year 2023-24, a budget allocation of Rs 27.68 crore has been designated to further this effort.

The UP government is dedicated to boosting farmers’ incomes and promoting their prosperity. To facilitate this, the entire state is now part of the Rapid Maize Development Programme, offering a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per quintal on all maize seed varieties, including hybrid, desi popcorn, baby corn, and sweet corn. Given the increasing demand for these crops, particularly in tourist areas, the government is actively encouraging their cultivation. Additionally, agricultural scientists are conducting workshops across the state to educate farmers on enhancing maize production techniques.

A recent statewide workshop held in Lucknow focused on strategies to maximize benefits for farmers under this initiative, reinforcing the government’s commitment to agricultural development and rural prosperity. Currently, maize is grown on approximately 8.30 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, yielding about 21.16 lakh metric tonnes annually, making it the state’s third most significant crop after wheat and paddy. The Indian Maize Research Institute, affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, is collaborating with the state government to enhance maize production and support farmers.

The government aims to double maize output by 2027, acknowledging its versatility and increasing demand, particularly for ethanol production. Maize, a highly adaptable crop, can thrive in all three seasons—Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid—and is suitable for various soil types with proper drainage.

Beyond its role as a staple food, maize has numerous industrial applications, from grain-based ethanol production to poultry and animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, paper, and alcoholic beverages. It is also consumed in various forms, including flour, baby corn, and popcorn, serving as a key ingredient in many processed foods. With rising demand, maize farming offers significant opportunities for growers.

To optimize farmer benefits, the government is actively increasing awareness about maize cultivation, introducing advanced farming techniques, and improving the seed replacement rate for enhanced yields. To ensure fair pricing, maize has been included in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, safeguarding farmers’ earnings and promoting higher production levels.

In addition to its economic advantages, maize is richly nutritious, containing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, making it crucial in the fight against malnutrition. Its nutritional value has earned maize the title of the ‘Queen of Cereals.’

Experts predict that with advanced agricultural practices, maize yields could reach up to 100 quintals per hectare. Currently, Tamil Nadu holds the highest average yield of 59.39 quintals per hectare, while the national average is 26 quintals. In Uttar Pradesh, the maize yield for the 2021-22 period was 21.63 quintals per hectare, indicating significant potential for improvement.

One notable challenge in maize farming is the 30% moisture content in freshly harvested crops, which makes them vulnerable to fungal infections without proper drying facilities. To combat this, the government is offering subsidies for dryer machines, providing Rs 12 lakh off a Rs 15 lakh machine to ensure proper drying and storage of maize. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 10,000 is available for popcorn processing machines, alongside subsidies for other equipment related to maize sowing and processing.

To further boost productivity, the state government also conducts training programs for progressive farmers. Selected individuals are sent to the Indian Maize Research Institute to learn modern farming techniques aimed at improving maize cultivation efficiency.

Farmers are encouraged to select high-yield maize varieties suited to their agro-climatic regions to maximize production. Typically, maize matures in 80-120 days, depending on the variety and conditions, but can be harvested in just 60 days for popcorn, providing a quicker, more profitable option for farmers.