Maize is considered a superior biofuel crop compared to others, such as sugarcane, rice, and foodgrains. Its advantages come from its cropping pattern, higher production potential, and lower water needs. Since maize is not a staple food like rice or wheat, the issue of food versus fuel is less of a concern. It can be used as feed for grain-based ethanol production. The government has boosted maize production, leading to an increase in both acreage and output.

Five States are primarily involved in growing maize during the kharif, rabi, and zaid seasons. In 2025, Madhya Pradesh led in overall maize production with 58 lakh tonnes, while Bihar had the highest rabi maize production of 33 lakh tonnes. West Bengal topped the spring (zaid) production with 12 lakh tonnes. Other producing States include Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Total maize production for 2024-25 reached 425 lakh tonnes from 390 lakh tonnes a year ago. The Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) estimates that by 2030-31, about 21 per cent of maize will be used for ethanol.

Room for improvement

The Indian government’s maize strategy focuses on price support (MSP + procurement), crop diversification incentives, research-driven seed improvement, irrigation backing, better market and storage infrastructure, and biofuel-linked demand enhancement. Together, these measures aim to secure farmer income, conserve water, uplift yields, and align maize cultivation with industrial and energy goals.

However, given the government’s ambitious ethanol blending plan, maize production still has room for improvement.

At a recent brainstorming session hosted by the Grain-based Manufacturers Association (GEMA) in New Delhi, various stakeholders—including the government, grain-based distillers, companies, farmers, and seed producers—identified key knowledge gaps. 

The main presentation highlighted the importance of starch content in maize for optimal ethanol production. While corn samples may have high starch content, they often have low starch extractability, which many ethanol producers do not fully understand. Varieties with higher extractable starch can lead to better quality DDGS and oil recovery.

3-pronged programme

GEMA noted that maize production has seen a yearly growth of 5-6 per cent, but with targeted development, it could reach 8-9 per cent annually.

The association has proposed a three-pronged programme to increase maize production. This includes reducing maize cultivation area by 10 per cent through improved productivity, achieving a 20 per cent increase in per-acre yield for better farmer income, and boosting starch content by 20 per cent to raise ethanol yield. They suggest implementing a solid policy aiming to raise total maize grain production from 380 lakh tonnes to 500 lakh tonnes within five years.

IIMR stated that to meet the E20 and E30 goals, growth rates must triple or quadruple. However, several post-harvest issues—such as high moisture levels, aflatoxin problems, and a lack of drying technology—pose risks to increased maize production.

For maize to support India’s ethanol goals, a comprehensive national strategy is essential. This approach must go beyond simply increasing acreage to include improving varieties, enhancing starch extractability, and developing post-harvest infrastructure. If these gaps are not addressed soon, the crop’s potential as a biofuel may not be fully realised, making it difficult to meet the targets outlined in the country’s ethanol blending roadmap. 

The author is a former journalist and green energy proponent

Published on June 21, 2025