8–9% growth in maize necessary to meet E30 ethanol target

Dr. H.S. Jat, Director of ICAR-IIMR, emphasized the need to boost maize production by 8–9% annually to meet India’s ethanol blending target of E30 by 2030. He was deliberating at the 11th India Maize Summit. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to strategize on strengthening the maize value chain. It was organized by FICCI in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) and inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Today, ethanol has fast emerged as a major driver of maize consumption in India. Dr Jat said that maize output must reach 65–70 million tonnes, and called for improved seed hybrids and mechanization to enhance productivity. The institute is developing high-yielding maize varieties capable of producing up to 11 tonnes per hectare in the rabi season and with higher starch content for better ethanol recovery.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s “farmer-first” approach and urged integration of research, education, and extension services to drive sustainable growth in agriculture. He called maize a crucial crop for both food and energy security.

During the deliberations, Yes Bank’s agribusiness expert Sunjay Vuppuluri highlighted that maize is India’s fastest-growing cereal, with area and production growing 31% and 75%, respectively, over the past decade. However, rising consumption—especially from the poultry and ethanol sectors—is outpacing supply.

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi shared the state’s success in maize expansion under a five-year Accelerated Maize Development Program. Cultivation now spans 5.4 lakh hectares, with rising yields and industrial uptake. The state is also exploring maize-based eco-products.

FICCI’s Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Subroto Geed stressed the importance of next-gen technologies and collaboration to create a resilient, climate-smart maize economy. The summit underscored maize’s rising role in shaping India’s food and energy future.

India has breached the 20% ethanol blending target before the deadline and has now set sight on E30. Although, there is no such policy declaration from the government yet.