Hyderabad: The 1st International Maize Conference 2026, 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 advancing research, productivity and value-chain development.
The conference highlighted high-yielding varieties and hybrids, improved nutritional quality, efficient resource utilisation, mechanisation, robust seed systems and the growing role of maize in food, feed, fodder and energy security.
Addressing the conference, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. M. L. Jat, congratulated the research community on India’s production reaching approximately 55 million tonnes, accompanied by substantial productivity gains over the past decade.
Dr. Jat called for increasing production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade, alongside a further 1.5-fold increase in productivity through technological innovation, improved crop management and efficient resource utilisation.
Dr. Jat emphasised the need to expand the traditional 4F vision – Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel – to 5F by placing Farmers at the centre.
He stressed that research and extension must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods.
Dr. Jat advocated a systems-science approach to bridging yield gaps, particularly those arising from crop management.
He also called for strategically targeting maize across seasons and agroecological zones without compromising other important crops, particularly oilseeds and pulses.
Dr. Jat further underscored the need for affordable, quality seed, especially public-sector hybrids, supported by a robust seed system.
ICAR Calls for Strengthening Research and Breeding
Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, described maize as a model crop for food, nutritional and energy security during the International Maize Conference 2026.
Acknowledging progress in research and extension over the past five years, including the development of 329 maize hybrids, Dr. Yadav called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize.
He emphasised breeding for higher yields, improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
He also highlighted the importance of input-use efficiency, mechanisation, capacity development and stronger public-sector hybrid seed production.
Dr. Yadav further highlighted the need for collaboration among research institutions, universities and industry to realise maize’s potential as an ethanol feedstock.
Dr. S. Vasal Advocates Cost-Effective Breeding Approaches
Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, eminent scientist and a World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated simple and cost-effective breeding approaches during the conference.
He called for approaches that can accelerate the development of improved maize varieties and hybrids suited to farmers’ needs.
Dr. R. S. Paroda Stresses Advanced Breeding and Value Chains
Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, former Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR, and Chief Guest at the conference, stressed the importance of aligning research priorities with the evolving needs of agriculture and allied sectors.
He called for greater use of advanced breeding techniques, systematic germplasm conservation and utilisation, stronger value chains, and effective aflatoxin management to ensure safety and quality for food and feed.
MTAI Calls for Greater Collaboration
Earlier, Dr. H. S. Jat, President, Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted maizes strategic importance in India’s agricultural transformation.
At the International Maize Conference 2026, he called for stronger collaboration among research institutions, agricultural universities, policymakers and industry to address emerging challenges facing the sector.
