Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has projected a farm-gate price of Rs 2,200-2,400 per quintal for good quality maize during the coming harvest season amid concerns over a likely below-normal southwest monsoon under El Nino conditions and heightened market uncertaintyAccording to experts from TNAU’s domestic and export market intelligence cell, maize demand has been rising steadily, driven by the feed industry, industrial use, ethanol blending under the national policy on biofuels and emerging applications such as bioplastics.As per the third advance estimates (2025-26) of the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, maize is grown on about 10.74 million hectares in India, with production estimated at 55.10 million tonne.TNAU noted that below-normal rainfall could affect output in key producing states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. However, it said climate-driven supply shocks may be partly offset by the previous year’s bumper harvest, while external factors including the West Asian crisis and rising fuel costs are influencing exports and domestic movement.Tamil Nadu produces around 3.3 million tonne from 0.54 million hectares, mainly in Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Villupuram and Tirupur. The state meets only about 50% of its demand through local production, with the remainder sourced from other states, making prices sensitive to monsoon-linked disruptions.The estimate is based on a 15-year price analysis of the Udumalpet regulated market and a market survey by TNAU’s domestic and export market intelligence cell.
