Maize Cultivation Emerges as a Profitable Alternative to Paddy

Farmers Earn Higher Returns as Popcorn Maize Procurement Crosses Rs 5 Crore

605 Farmers Cultivated Popcorn Maize on 1,763 Acres

Contract Farming Boosts Income and Ensures Market Access

Raipur, June 2026 : Crop diversification is being actively promoted to increase farmers’ incomes and improve soil fertility. Moving beyond traditional crops and adopting high-value alternatives enables farmers to secure better market prices while reducing agricultural risks. Replacing paddy cultivation with maize has emerged as a highly profitable step in this direction, offering benefits not only in terms of income but also in improving soil health and conserving water resources.

Strong Financial Gains for Farmers

In Rajnandgaon district, farmers who shifted from summer paddy cultivation to maize under a crop diversification programme have reported significant economic benefits. Farmers engaged in contract farming with Gourmed Popcorn Company have achieved impressive production levels and higher earnings.

The company has purchased popcorn maize worth more than Rs 5 crore from farmers in the district, contributing substantially to increased farm incomes and demonstrating the commercial viability of crop diversification.

Maize Procured at Rs 1,700 per Quintal

During the Rabi season of 2025-26, Gourmed Popcorn Company entered into agreements with 605 farmers covering a total area of 1,763 acres for the cultivation of popcorn maize.

Farmers recorded an average yield of 19.33 quintals per acre. The company procured the produce at Rs 1,700 per quintal, purchasing maize worth over Rs 5 crore. Out of this amount, approximately Rs 3.73 crore has already been paid to farmers, while the remaining payments are currently being processed.

Farmers Set New Benchmarks

Among the district’s maize growers, Lalit Kumar Sahu from Bharitola village in Chhuria block achieved distinction by cultivating popcorn maize on the largest area—23.56 acres. His efforts generated an income exceeding Rs 6.95 lakh, making him one of the most successful maize farmers in the district.

Similarly, Ved Prakash Chandrakar from Rajnandgaon block cultivated popcorn maize on 9.5 acres and achieved an impressive productivity level of 32.66 quintals per acre. His earnings from the crop exceeded Rs 5.27 lakh.

Another farmer, Devaram Patel from Jamleshwar village, recorded an outstanding yield of 35.5 quintals per acre, earning nearly Rs 4.67 lakh from popcorn maize cultivation.

Crop Diversification Gains Momentum

The success stories of these farmers are emerging as a source of inspiration for others across the district. According to the Agriculture Department, replacing paddy with alternative crops such as maize not only provides better financial returns but also contributes to water conservation, improved soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Officials noted that maize cultivation requires comparatively less water than paddy and supports a healthier crop rotation system. As a result, the growing adoption of maize is helping strengthen efforts toward crop diversification while reducing pressure on natural resources.

The achievements of Rajnandgaon’s farmers are encouraging many others to explore alternative cropping patterns and embrace contract farming models that offer assured market access and stable incomes.

With rising profitability and strong institutional support, maize cultivation is increasingly being seen as a viable and rewarding alternative to traditional paddy farming, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future