Maize offers big opportunities

Maize growers can expect good returns with the crop seeing rising demand from sectors like pharmaceuticals, agri-products, poultry and cattle feed, apart from food products.

According to V Nagi Reddy, principal secretary (agriculture), AP government, maize output in the state showed rapid growth, after farmers started growing it in both kharif as well as rabi seasons. The crop covers 600,000 hectares in the state, while the total harvest is around 200,000 tonnes in kharif and another 700,000 tonnes in rabi.

Addressing a conference on maize and maize-based industrial opportunities in the state, organised by Fapcci, Reddy said there is scope for export of maize, and offered assistance to agri entrepreneurs. He said banks were also offering financial assistance for the crop.

Industrialists as well as farmers growing the crop can approach any of its 40 research centres for consultation and technical assistance, said B Venkateshwarlu, director, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA).

Chengal Reddy, chairman of the Forum for Farmer Associations, said agri-scientists and farmers should work together to develop new varieties.