Year: 2025 | Month: September | Volume 12 | Issue 3
Unlocking the Golden Grain: Economic Trajectories, Constraints and Future Horizons of Maize in India in the Changing Climate Scenario
Masina Sairam
Sumit Ray
Santosh D.T.
Dinkar J. Gaikwad
Shaik Rishitha
Bisruti Maity
Lalichetti Sagar
Satya Prasad Nanda
Harun I. Gitari and Sagar Maitra
DOI:10.30954/2394-8159.03.2025.3
Abstract:
2025ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays L.) has become one of the most dynamic and economically important cereal crops in India owing to its adaptability, versatility, and the increasing demand for it in the country due to its suitability for a wide range of agroecological zones. The present review paper deals with the economic status and future prospects of maize cultivation in India. Maize has seen significant expansion in area, production and productivity over the last 30 years, much due to the adoption of high yielding hybrids, better agronomic practices and the growing demand by the poultry feed industry and industries. The agroecological benefits of the crop, such as water use efficiency, adaptability to different climates and cropping systems, render it a suitable substitute for water-hungrier crops like rice. Recent agronomic developments like precision agriculture, mechanization, site-specific nutrient management and climate smart practices have improved productivity and resource-use efficiency. Maize is highly profitable and also has a positive cost–benefit ratio than other cereals and is less input intensive in comparison to other cereals with the increasing market opportunities. Despite this, there are several limitations in the sector, such as low productivity in rainfed fields, pest and disease pressure, climate variability, price volatility, and poor institutional support, particularly weak procurement systems, and limited infrastructure. The manuscript also brings to attention the increasing importance of maize in the bioeconomy in India, especially in ethanol production, which will be further bolstered in the future by national blending mandates. The maize value chain is further strengthened by increased industrial applications, value added products, and increased private sector participation. However, sustainable development and food security issues, particularly the competing uses of food, feed and fuel, must be addressed with thought and policy-making considerations. In conclusion, maize has tremendous potential for supporting agricultural growth, improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening energy security, provided that various technological, economic and policy bottlenecks are overcome to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
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