CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News and Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: The first International Maize Conference 2026 began in Hyderabad on November 2 with the aim of increasing maize production and farmers’ income in the country. Agricultural scientists, policymakers, research institutions and industry representatives from India and abroad are taking part in the three-day conference. The main theme of the conference is “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainable Development in a Changing World.”
The conference is discussing the development of high-yielding varieties and hybrid seeds, improvement in nutritional quality, modern agricultural technology, mechanisation and better use of resources. Its objective is to strengthen farmers’ profitability along with maize production and the agriculture-based value chain.
Target of 55 to 75 million tonnes production
Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, said India’s maize production has reached nearly 55 million tonnes. He set out a target of increasing it to 75 million tonnes over the next decade. For this, he emphasised a one-and-a-half-fold increase in productivity, better crop management, technological innovation and effective use of resources.
Dr Jat said the benefits of agricultural research should be visible in the form of improvement in farmers’ income and standard of living. He said there was a need to work on a fifth dimension keeping farmers at the centre, along with the four traditional objectives of food, feed, fodder and fuel.
Focus on new varieties and quality seeds
ICAR Deputy Director General Dr D.K. Yadav said 329 hybrid maize varieties have been developed in the past five years. He stressed the development of varieties with higher yield, better nutrition and the ability to withstand diseases and adverse weather. The conference is also deliberating on affordable quality seeds, public sector hybrid seed production, biofuel and the possibilities of maize-based industries.
The conference will continue until November 4. Scientists at the conference called for developing sustainable maize production systems by increasing cooperation among research institutions, agricultural universities and industries.
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