Maize cultivation in Maharashtra has witnessed a remarkable increase this rabi season, growing from 2.58 lakh hectares to 4.84 lakh hectares. This growth is primarily driven by the central government’s focus on promoting ethanol production from maize and the rising demand for animal feed, poultry feed, and fodder.
The Agriculture Department reports that the overall area for rabi sowing in the state has expanded by 10.59 lakh hectares compared to the average. While maize has seen significant growth, the area under rabi jowar has declined, and crops like wheat, chickpeas, and pulses have experienced moderate increases.
Maize prices had surged to INR 30 per kg, providing further incentives for farmers to boost their production. Rafiq Naikwadi, the Director of Agriculture (Development & Extension), affirmed that both the ethanol policy and the rising feed demand have played key roles in this expansion.
Source: Pune Pulse
