India should aim to increase maize production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade, alongside a 1.5-fold increase in productivity, 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), said at the inaugural first International Maize Conference 2026 in Hyderabad on Monday, Rural Voice reported.

Source: Rural Voice

Addressing the conference, Dr Jat said India's maize production had reached approximately 55 million tonnes, supported by substantial productivity gains over the past decade, and emphasised technological innovation, improved crop management and efficient resource use for the next phase of growth. Mirror Now, reporting the same opening, said the strategy was unveiled by ICAR at the JD Convention Centre, where the three-day conference runs from November 2 to 4.

Source: Mirror Now

From '4F' to '5F': the farmer at the centre

Dr Jat advocated expanding the traditional 4F vision of maize — food, feed, fodder and fuel — to a 5F approach by placing farmers at the centre, stressing that research and extension must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods. He called for a systems-science approach to bridge yield gaps, particularly those arising from crop management, and to expand maize cultivation across seasons and agroecological zones without compromising oilseeds and pulses, with affordable, quality public-sector hybrid seed identified as a key priority.

Dr D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) at ICAR, highlighted the development of 329 maize hybrids over the past five years and called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize, with breeding for higher yields, improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, alongside mechanisation and stronger public-sector hybrid seed production. He also pointed to the growing potential of maize as a feedstock for ethanol production.

75 million tonnesMaize production target for the next decade, ICAR chief said
~55 million tonnesIndia's current maize production
329Maize hybrids developed in the past five years, ICAR said
Nov 2–4First International Maize Conference, JD Convention Centre, Hyderabad

Padma Bhushan Dr R. S. Paroda, a former DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General, stressed advanced breeding techniques, systematic germplasm conservation, stronger maize value chains and effective aflatoxin management for food and feed safety. Padma Shri Dr S. K. Vasal, the eminent maize scientist associated with CIMMYT, advocated simple and cost-effective breeding approaches to develop improved varieties suited to farmers' needs. Dr H. S. Jat, President of the Maize Technologists Association of India, emphasised stronger collaboration among research institutions, agricultural universities, policymakers and industry.

The conference, themed 'Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World', brings together scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders; its curtain-raiser said more than 500 delegates from India and abroad were expected. Several scientific publications were released and awards presented during the opening, Rural Voice reported.