The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 began at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad on Monday, bringing together scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies to advance maize research, productivity and value-chain development.
The conference, themed “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World” (M4FS), focused on high-yielding varieties and hybrids, improved nutritional quality, efficient resource utilisation, mechanisation, robust seed systems and maize’s growing role in food, feed, fodder and energy security.
India Targets 75 Million Tonnes of Maize Production
Addressing the conference, Secretary, DARE and DG ICAR Dr. M. L. Jat congratulated the maize research community on India’s maize production reaching approximately 55 million tonnes, accompanied by substantial productivity gains over the past decade.
He called for increasing production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade, along with a further 1.5-fold increase in productivity through technological innovation, improved crop management and efficient resource utilisation.
Emphasising the expansion of the traditional 4F vision—Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel—to 5F by placing Farmers at the centre, Dr. Jat said research and extension must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods.
He advocated a systems-science approach to bridging yield gaps, particularly those arising from crop management, and strategic targeting of maize across seasons and agroecological zones without compromising other important crops, particularly oilseeds and pulses.
He also stressed the need for affordable, quality seed, especially public-sector hybrids, supported by a robust seed system.
Focus on Hybrid Development and Research Collaboration
Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, described maize as a model crop for food, nutritional and energy security.
Acknowledging progress in maize research and extension over the past five years, including the development of 329 maize hybrids, he called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize).
He emphasised breeding for higher yields, improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, alongside input-use efficiency, mechanisation, capacity development and stronger public-sector hybrid seed production.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration among research institutions, universities and industry to realise maize’s potential as an ethanol feedstock.
Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, eminent maize scientist and a World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated simple, cost-effective breeding approaches to accelerate the development of improved varieties and hybrids suited to farmers’ needs.
Call for Advanced Breeding and Germplasm Conservation
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, former Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR, and Chief Guest, stressed the importance of aligning research priorities with the evolving needs of agriculture and allied sectors.
He called for greater use of advanced breeding techniques, systematic germplasm conservation and utilisation, stronger maize value chains, and effective aflatoxin management to ensure maize safety and quality for food and feed.
Earlier, Dr. H. S. Jat, President, Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted maize’s strategic importance in India’s agricultural transformation. He called for stronger collaboration among research institutions, agricultural universities, policymakers and industry to address emerging challenges.
Scientific Publications Released, Awards Presented
Several scientific publications were released during the programme, and awards were presented to eminent scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to maize research and development.
Being held from 2–4 November, 2026, in Hyderabad, the conference provides a platform for national and international experts to shape a roadmap for a productive, profitable and sustainable maize sector in India.
The conference underscored the importance of collaborative, farmer-centric research to bridge yield gaps, improve seed access, strengthen breeding programmes, enhance nutritional quality and develop sustainable maize value chains.
Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 | 11:16 AM IST