The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a bold plan to double maize production by 2027. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, speaking at a recent Kharif seminar, detailed the goal of increasing production from 14.67 lakh metric tonnes (2021–22) to 27.30 lakh metric tonnes within two years.
To achieve this, the government aims to expand maize cultivation areas and boost yields per hectare through advanced farming techniques and farmer awareness campaigns. Efforts also encourage the production of other key crops like tur and mustard.
Known as the “Queen of Cereals” for its nutritional value and versatility, maize can be grown year-round on various soil types, requiring mainly proper drainage. Its uses span ethanol production, animal and poultry feed, pharmaceuticals, paper, and food industries. Common varieties include corn, baby corn, popcorn, and flour.
To protect farmers’ interests, maize is covered under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme, ensuring fair returns. While Tamil Nadu leads the country with a productivity of 59.39 quintals per hectare, the national average is 26 quintals. Uttar Pradesh lags at 21.63 quintals, signaling significant potential for improvement.
With sustained support, the state aims to make maize a major driver of agricultural growth.
