1st International Maize Conference 2026 Held in Hyderabad
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare · Agriculture · Posted 02 NOV 2026 4:50PM
What happened
The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 commenced in Hyderabad to deliberate on advancing maize productivity, value-chain development, and a 5F vision. Leaders noted that India's maize production stands at approximately 55 million tonnes and set a target to reach 75 million tonnes over the next decade.
Why it matters for UPSC
This highlights India's agricultural strategy for crop diversification, food and energy security, and science-led productivity enhancement, directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus topic of major crop patterns and agricultural technology.
Key objectives
- Increase India's maize production from approximately 55 million tonnes to 75 million tonnes over the next decade.
- Achieve a 1.5-fold increase in maize productivity through technological innovation and crop management.
- Expand the traditional 4F vision (Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel) to 5F by placing farmers at the centre.
- Develop improved maize varieties, strengthen public-sector hybrid seed systems, and advance value-chain development.