Maize also known as corn is a cereal grain. Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world, with total production surpassing that of wheat or rice. However, not all of this maize is consumed directly by humans. Some of the maize production is used for corn ethanol, animal feed and other maize products, such as corn starch and corn syrup. Maize is one of the most versatile emerging crop shaving wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Globally, maize is known as queen of cereals because it has the highest genetic yield potential among the cereals.
Maize is one of the staple foods in India. The annual maize production in India is around 21 million tonne with the highest maize cultivation in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. India is one of the largest cultivators of maize in the world, and it is a crop suitable for all the growing seasons in nearly every agro-climatic zone within the country’s borders. India has seen a dramatic increase in maize cultivation over the past few years, which explains it’s pre-eminence as a starch source among processors.
Maize is cultivated on nearly 178 million Ha globally in about 160 countries and contributes ~50% (1,170 million MT) to the global grain production. In India, maize constitutes ~9% of the total volume of cereals produced and is the third most important food grain after rice (~42%) and wheat (~38%). Maize is important to India as 15 million Indian farmers are engaged in Maize cultivation. Having realised the potential of Maize in generating better income to farmers while providing gainful employment, Maize qualifies as a potential crop for doubling farmer’s income. There is a tremendous potential of growth of the Maize value chain in the country.
This is mainly because the area under kharif maize (2016-17) saw a jump to 84.26 lakh ha. There is a bearish trend in the global maize market due to over production in key maize growing countries led by US. Given the global scenario which hints a surplus production this year and assuming the normal kharif maize area, the Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre projected the prices of maize at kharif harvest period of 2017-18.
Few Indian major players are as under:
· Aksharchem (India) Ltd.
· Amaravati Agro Ltd.
· Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
· Devi Corn Products Ltd.
· Gayatri Bioorganics Ltd.
· Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd.
· Gulshan Polyols Ltd.