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International Maize Conference kicks off in Hyderabad
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Wednesday, 04 November, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The first International Maize Conference (M4FS), themed “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World”, commenced at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad on November 2, bringing together scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening maize research, productivity and value-chain development.
Being held from November 2–4, 2026, the conference focuses 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.
Addressing the conference, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted India's progress in maize production, which has reached approximately 55 million tonnes, supported by significant 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 improvement in productivity through technological innovation, better crop management and efficient resource utilisation.
Emphasising the need to expand the traditional 4F vision of food, feed, fodder and fuel into a 5F approach by placing farmers at the centre, Dr Jat said research and extension activities must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods. He advocated a systems-science approach to addressing yield gaps, particularly those arising from crop management practices, and called for strategic targeting of maize across seasons and agroecological zones without affecting the cultivation of other important crops, particularly oilseeds and pulses. He also stressed the importance of affordable, quality seeds, especially public-sector hybrids, supported by a strong seed distribution system.
Dr D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, described maize as a key crop for food, nutritional and energy security. Highlighting 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 the need for breeding programmes focused on higher yields, improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. He also highlighted input-use efficiency, mechanisation, capacity building and stronger public-sector hybrid seed production as important priorities. Collaboration between research institutions, universities and industry, he added, would be essential to harness maize's potential as an ethanol feedstock.
Padma Shri Dr S. Vasal, eminent maize scientist and World Food Prize Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated simple and cost-effective breeding approaches to accelerate the development of improved varieties and hybrids that address farmers' requirements.
Padma Bhushan Dr R. S. Paroda, former Secretary, DARE, and former Director General, ICAR, who attended as chief guest, stressed the importance of aligning research priorities with the changing requirements of agriculture and allied sectors. He called for greater adoption of advanced breeding techniques, systematic germplasm conservation and utilisation, stronger maize value chains and effective aflatoxin management to ensure the safety and quality of maize for food and feed applications.
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 in the sector.
The programme also featured the release of several scientific publications and the presentation of awards to eminent scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to maize research and development.
The conference underscored the importance of collaborative and farmer-centric research to bridge productivity gaps, improve seed accessibility, strengthen breeding programmes, enhance nutritional quality and develop sustainable maize value chains. The three-day event is expected to provide a platform for national and international experts to formulate a roadmap for a more productive, profitable and sustainable maize sector in India.
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