Govt to buy maize at MSP, raise output

The central government has signed off on a plan to procure maize at federally fixed minimum support prices (MSP) while increasing its output and productivity by expanding the area under cultivation, as part of a strategy to meet India's biofuels needs.

- Zla Haq

Maize, or corn, has emerged as a strategically important commercial crop in the country because of its use in making ethanol, which is blended with petrol. It is also a major poultry feed. The new measure will help boost farmers' income and ensure that a government-mandated programme to achieve 20% blending of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26 is on track amid an anticipated dip in sugar supplies this year, food secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Friday.

The Centre plans to sell the maize procured by it to distilleries making ethanol. Procurement refers to the government's purchases of food commodities at MSP- a floor price set to stave off distress sales by farmers. Minimum rate for maize for 2023-24 stands 2,090 a quintal.