1st International Maize Conference 2026: India Targets 75 Million Tonnes of Maize Production
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| India Targets 75 Million Tonnes of Maize Production by 2036 |
Hyderabad, November 2026: The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 has called for higher agricultural productivity, innovative crop breeding, improved seed systems and farmer-centric research to strengthen India's maize sector.
The international conference, themed "Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World" (M4FS), commenced at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad on 2 November 2026.
The three-day event, scheduled from 2 to 4 November, brings together agricultural scientists, policymakers, research institutions, universities and industry representatives from India and abroad.
The conference aims to develop practical strategies for improving maize production, strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable farming practices.
One of the major highlights was India's ambition to increase maize production from approximately 55 million tonnes to 75 million tonnes over the next decade.
India Targets 75 Million Tonnes of Maize Production
Addressing the conference, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), congratulated India's maize research community on the significant progress achieved in maize production and productivity.
According to the conference announcement, India's maize production has reached approximately 55 million tonnes, supported by substantial productivity improvements over the past decade.
Dr. Jat called for increasing national maize production to 75 million tonnes over the next ten years. He also highlighted the need for a further 1.5-fold increase in productivity through technological innovation, improved crop management and efficient utilisation of agricultural resources.
He emphasised that agricultural research should not remain limited to scientific achievements. Instead, research findings and extension services must directly benefit farmers through higher profitability, better productivity and improved livelihoods.
Farmers at the Centre of the 5F Vision
Traditionally, maize development has been associated with four major objectives known as the 4F vision:
1. Food
2. Feed
3. Fodder
4. Fuel
Dr. M. L. Jat advocated expanding this vision to 5F by placing Farmers at the centre of agricultural development.
The expanded vision recognises that farmers are essential stakeholders in the entire agricultural value chain.
The focus should be on ensuring that new technologies, improved seeds, modern farming practices and research innovations provide practical economic benefits to farming communities.
He also recommended a systems-science approach to identify and bridge yield gaps, particularly those caused by differences in crop management practices.
Another important priority is strategically expanding maize cultivation across different seasons and agroecological zones without compromising the production of other essential crops, particularly oilseeds and pulses.
Innovative Maize Breeding and Development of High-Yielding Hybrids
The conference highlighted the importance of modern crop breeding techniques for developing high-yielding maize varieties and hybrids.
Improved breeding programmes can help farmers achieve better production while addressing challenges such as climate variability, crop diseases, insect pests and changing agricultural conditions.
Important research priorities discussed at the conference include:
Development of high-yielding maize varieties and hybrids.
Improvement in nutritional quality.
Resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Efficient utilisation of water, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
Development of affordable and quality seeds.
Strengthening public-sector hybrid seed production.
Promotion of mechanisation and modern crop management.
These improvements are expected to support India's long-term maize production goals and strengthen agricultural sustainability.
ICAR Highlights 329 Maize Hybrids Developed in Five Years
Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, described maize as an important crop for food, nutritional and energy security.
He acknowledged the progress made in maize research and extension activities over the past five years, including the development of 329 maize hybrids.
Dr. Yadav called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize) to improve research coordination and accelerate the development of improved maize technologies.
He highlighted several priority areas:
Breeding for higher maize yields.
Improving nutritional quality.
Developing resistance against crop diseases and environmental stresses.
Improving agricultural input-use efficiency.
Promoting farm mechanisation.
Strengthening research and extension capacity.
Increasing public-sector hybrid seed production.
He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between research institutions, universities and industry to develop maize as an important feedstock for ethanol production.
Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal Advocates Cost-Effective Breeding Methods
Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, an eminent maize scientist and World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of practical and affordable crop breeding approaches.
He advocated simple and cost-effective breeding methods to accelerate the development of improved maize varieties and hybrids that meet farmers' actual requirements.
His emphasis was on ensuring that scientific innovation translates into accessible agricultural solutions, particularly for farmers who need productive and affordable seeds.
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda Highlights Research and Maize Value Chains
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, former Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, attended the conference as Chief Guest.
He stressed that agricultural research priorities should be aligned with the changing needs of agriculture and allied sectors.
He highlighted several important areas for future maize development:
1. Advanced breeding techniques: Greater use of modern breeding technologies to develop improved varieties and hybrids.
2. Germplasm conservation: Systematic conservation and utilisation of maize genetic resources for future crop improvement.
3. Stronger maize value chains: Improving the connections between farmers, processors, markets and industries.
4. Aflatoxin management: Strengthening food safety and quality management to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize used for food and animal feed.
These measures are important for improving maize quality, protecting consumer health and increasing the commercial value of maize production.
Why Is Maize Important for India's Agriculture?
Maize is one of India's important agricultural crops because it has multiple uses across different sectors of the economy.
Unlike crops used mainly for direct human consumption, maize contributes to food production, livestock farming, industrial processing and renewable energy.
1. Food Security
Maize is used in various food products and provides an important source of energy and nutrients.
2. Animal Feed
Maize is a major ingredient in poultry and livestock feed. A reliable maize supply supports the poultry, dairy and animal husbandry industries.
3. Fodder Production
Maize plants can also be used as green fodder and silage for livestock.
4. Ethanol Production
Maize can serve as a feedstock for ethanol production, contributing to the development of biofuel industries.
5. Industrial Applications
Maize is used in starch production, food processing and several other industrial applications.
Because of these multiple uses, improving maize productivity can benefit farmers, food processors, livestock producers and other industries.
Importance of Affordable Quality Seeds for Farmers
Access to affordable and high-quality seeds is one of the most important requirements for improving agricultural productivity.
The conference highlighted the need to strengthen public-sector hybrid seed production and develop a robust seed distribution system.
A strong seed system can help farmers access suitable varieties and hybrids according to their local climatic conditions, soil characteristics and agricultural requirements.
Improved seed availability, combined with better crop management and agricultural extension services, can contribute to higher yields and better farm income.
Sustainable Maize Farming and Protection of Other Crops
Increasing maize production is an important national objective, but agricultural planning must also consider the overall balance of India's cropping systems.
Dr. M. L. Jat emphasised strategically targeting maize cultivation across different seasons and agroecological zones without compromising important crops such as oilseeds and pulses.
This approach is important because farmers need profitable cropping systems that maintain agricultural diversity and efficient resource utilisation.
Sustainable maize production should therefore focus on:
Appropriate crop selection according to local conditions.
Efficient water and fertiliser management.
Improved soil health.
Climate-resilient crop varieties.
Integrated pest and disease management.
Better agricultural machinery and technology.
Balanced crop diversification.
Scientific Publications Released and Awards Presented
The conference also recognised contributions made by scientists and researchers in maize research and development.
Several scientific publications were released during the programme, while awards were presented to eminent scientists and researchers for their contributions to agricultural science.
These activities highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, research collaboration and recognition of scientific achievements.
Key Highlights of the 1st International Maize Conference 2026
Particulars Details
Event 1st International Maize Conference 2026
Theme Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and
Sustainability
Conference abbreviation M4FS
Dates 2–4 November 2026
Venue JD Convention Centre, Hyderabad
Current maize production Approximately 55 million tonnes
Future production target 75 million tonnes
Productivity ambition Further 1.5-fold increase
Maize hybrids developed 329 over the past five years
Key focus Research, breeding, productivity and sustainability
Main objective Farmer-centric agricultural development
What Does the Conference Mean for Indian Farmers?
The International Maize Conference 2026 provides an important platform to discuss how agricultural research can be converted into practical solutions for farmers.
Its focus on high-yielding hybrids, affordable seeds, mechanisation, improved crop management and stronger value chains is particularly relevant to farmers seeking better productivity and profitability.
The emphasis on farmer-centric research also highlights an important principle: agricultural innovation should be measured not only by scientific achievements but also by its impact on farmers' income, livelihoods and long-term sustainability.
Conclusion: A New Direction for India's Maize Sector
The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 has highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to strengthening India's maize production and agricultural economy.
With a national production target of 75 million tonnes over the next decade, India is focusing on innovative breeding, improved seed availability, efficient resource utilisation, mechanisation and stronger agricultural value chains.
The conference also emphasised that farmers must remain at the centre of agricultural research and development.
By bringing together scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders, the conference provides an opportunity to shape a more productive, profitable and sustainable future for India's maize sector.
The central message of M4FS 2026 is clear: Better research, improved seeds, higher productivity and farmer-centred innovation are essential for India's maize revolution.
Source: Conference announcement and information supplied about the 1st International Maize Conference 2026.
Published by: Bodopress
Disclaimer: This article is an independently prepared informational report based on the supplied conference announcement. Figures, targets and statements are attributed to the conference information provided.
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