Indian Farmers Embrace Maize as Monsoon Delays Impact Cotton and Pulses
In response to the delayed monsoon onset, a significant transformation is sweeping through India’s agricultural landscape. Indian farmers in key states such as Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are altering their cultivation strategies, favouring maize over traditional crops like cotton and pulses. The delayed and sluggish monsoon progress has been the catalyst behind this shift, prompting a broader exploration of maize’s resilience in the face of uncertain weather patterns.
Maize Acreage Surpasses 8.124 million Hectares
As of August 18, India’s agricultural map paints a new picture with maize cultivation taking center stage. The total area dedicated to maize farming across the country now exceeds 8.124 million hectares, a remarkable escalation from the 7.941 million hectares recorded just a year ago. This shift in focus is attributed to the delayed monsoon’s impact on planting decisions, leading farmers to pivot towards maize cultivation as a more viable alternative.
Maize Cultivation Dynamics Across States
This transformative trend is particularly pronounced in specific states. Madhya Pradesh, for instance, has witnessed a robust surge in maize cultivation area, with figures climbing from 1.599 million hectares to 1.741 million hectares within a year. Similarly, Karnataka and Maharashtra have recorded noticeable expansions in maize cultivation, signaling a strategic shift in the agricultural landscape. Hanuman Sahay Jat, Director of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, emphasizes the adoption of short-duration varieties due to the monsoon’s tardiness, expressing optimism about the overall crop condition and yield prospects.
Record Maize Production Amidst Pest Management
India’s maize production has broken records, reaching an impressive 35.91 million tonnes during the 2022-23 period. However, the emergence of fall armyworms, a menacing pest, remains a challenge. While farmers have adapted strategies to tackle this issue, it comes at an additional cost, impacting the overall cost of cultivation. As the country anticipates maize cultivation area nearing the previous year’s level, concerns arise about potential yield setbacks due to factors such as deficient rainfall and heightened temperatures in August. Tarun Satsangi, a specialist in global commodity research, highlights the need for vigilance in navigating these challenges.
“In the evolving landscape of Indian agriculture, the surge in maize cultivation reflects farmers’ adaptability to changing conditions, though challenges like pest management and weather fluctuations remain pivotal factors. Future perspective of maize seems golden”