Maize cultivation emerges as a pillar of farmers’ prosperity in UP

Auraiya/Lucknow : Maize cultivation has become a cornerstone of prosperity for farmers in Uttar Pradesh. With low input costs, high yields, and strong market demand, it is emerging as a game changer. Backed by the double-engine government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with scientific training and support, farmers are reaping substantial benefits. Government schemes are yielding results, while progressive farmers are maximizing profits through modern practices. On Sunday, during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan – 2025 in Auraiya, several farmers shared their success stories in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Gaurav Vishnoi, a farmer from Ajitmal in Auraiya, shared that he has been cultivating maize for the past two years with excellent results. He produced 100 quintals per hectare and earned a profit of Rs 2.5 lakh per hectare. Additionally, he is earning well from guava cultivation too.

Sunil Singh, a farmer from Bilhaur tehsil in Kanpur Nagar, said that earlier, there was no profitable crop to follow the potato harvest. About four to five years ago, agricultural officers and scientists introduced him to maize cultivation through training and guidance. Today, maize has not only offset the losses he once faced with potatoes, but has also become a reliable source of income—enough to cover his family’s annual expenses, including his children’s education.

Another farmer Shivshankar Singh mentioned that maize has significantly increased farmers’ incomes. Earlier, the yield was around 20–25 quintals per acre, but now it has risen to 35–40 quintals per acre. Subsidized seeds are available at seed stores. If good-quality hybrid seeds are made available at fair prices, farmers’ income can be doubled.

Government initiatives prove beneficial for farmers

• Maize is a nutritious food. With low cost, better yield, and a wide market, maize is not just an option but the future.
• Maize is a multipurpose crop, serving as food, animal feed, and in industrial production.
• Under the Rapid Maize Development Scheme, a subsidy of Rs 150 per kg is provided on hybrid seeds.
• Subsidies between Rs 2,400 and Rs 20,000 per acre are being given for demonstrations of baby corn, sweet corn, popcorn, and hybrid seeds.
• There has been remarkable growth in maize cultivation area in Bilhaur region of Kanpur and nearby areas during the Zaid season.
• Compared to Kharif maize, Zaid maize offers over twice the yield.
• Yield ranges between 80 to 100 quintals per hectare; maize plays a significant role in ethanol production.
• Maize is also used in poultry, livestock feed, and bakery industries.
• Maize is being sold at Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kg, resulting in increased farmer income.
• Farmers are receiving seed subsidies at Rs 15,000 per kilowatt rate.
• The area under Zaid maize cultivation increased from 3.06 lakh hectares in 2023–24 to 4.87 lakh hectares in 2024–25.
• For the marketing year 2025–26, the minimum support price (MSP) for kharif maize has been set at Rs 2,400 per quintal.