The first International Maize Conference 2026 in Hyderabad highlighted India's target of 75 million tonnes of maize production, with experts emphasising advanced breeding, productivity and farmer-centric research.
The first International Maize Conference 2026 commenced at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad on November 2, bringing together agricultural scientists, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives to discuss the future of maize cultivation in India.
The three-day conference, being held from November 2 to 4, focused on improving maize productivity, developing high-yielding varieties, strengthening seed systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Organised around the theme "Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World" (M4FS), the event highlighted the importance of maize in strengthening food security, livestock nutrition and renewable energy production.
Addressing the conference, 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), highlighted India's progress in maize cultivation.
He noted that the country's maize production had reached approximately 55 million tonnes, supported by significant improvements in productivity over the past decade.
Dr. Jat called for increasing national maize production to 75 million tonnes over the next ten years. He also stressed the need to achieve a further 1.5-fold improvement in productivity through technological advancements, better crop management and efficient use of agricultural resources.
He proposed expanding the traditional 4F approach—Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel—into a 5F framework by placing Farmers at its centre.
According to him, agricultural research should focus not only on increasing production but also on improving farmers' income and overall livelihoods.
He further emphasised reducing yield gaps, promoting affordable quality seeds and strengthening public-sector hybrid seed availability.
Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) at ICAR, described maize as an important crop for food, nutritional and energy security.
Highlighting the achievements of Indian maize research over the last five years, he pointed to the development of 329 maize hybrids.
He called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize) to accelerate research and improve agricultural outcomes.
Dr. Yadav also highlighted several important priorities, including:
Developing high-yielding maize varieties and hybrids.
Improving nutritional quality and crop resistance to pests and diseases.
Strengthening tolerance against environmental stresses.
Improving efficiency in the use of agricultural inputs.
Promoting mechanisation and research-based farming practices.
Expanding public-sector hybrid seed production.
He also encouraged stronger partnerships between research organisations, universities and private industry to explore maize's potential as a raw material for ethanol production.
Meanwhile, Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, an eminent maize scientist and World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated affordable and practical breeding techniques to develop improved varieties that address farmers' requirements.
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, former Secretary of DARE and former Director General of ICAR, emphasised the importance of making agricultural research more responsive to changing farming requirements.
He called for greater adoption of advanced crop-breeding technologies and systematic conservation and utilisation of germplasm resources.
Dr. Paroda also highlighted the need to strengthen maize value chains and improve aflatoxin management.
Effective control of aflatoxin contamination is important for maintaining maize quality and ensuring its safety for human consumption and animal feed.
Earlier, Dr. H. S. Jat, President of the Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), welcomed the participants and highlighted maize's growing importance in India's agricultural development.
He stressed the need for stronger coordination among agricultural universities, research institutions, government policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The conference also featured the release of several scientific publications related to maize research and development.
Awards were presented to distinguished scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to advancing maize science and agricultural innovation.
The programme provided an opportunity for experts to exchange research findings, discuss emerging challenges and identify practical solutions for improving maize cultivation.
The three-day conference, scheduled from November 2 to 4, 2026, in Hyderabad, serves as a platform for national and international experts to develop a future roadmap for India's maize sector.
Discussions focused on improving crop productivity, expanding access to quality seeds, strengthening breeding programmes and developing efficient agricultural value chains.
The conference also highlighted the importance of farmer-focused research, sustainable resource management and technological innovation in making maize cultivation more productive and profitable.
Conclusion
The first International Maize Conference 2026 highlighted India's ambition to increase maize production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade. Experts stressed the importance of advanced breeding, improved hybrids, quality seeds and stronger research partnerships. The discussions reinforced the need for farmer-centric innovation and sustainable agricultural practices to strengthen India's maize sector and support food, feed and energy security.