Assam's maize farmers struggle despite record yields and rising MSP
Maize farmers in Assam are facing challenges despite rising production and government support. While the state has expanded cultivation and introduced high-yielding varieties, market prices remain far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Meanwhile, efforts are underway to boost processing and reduce reliance on traditional sales channels. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize in Assam rose to Rs 2,400 per quintal in 2025-26, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year. Yet, open market rates stay roughly Rs 900 lower, leaving farmers without fair returns. The state's maize output now reaches 4-5 lakh tonnes, covering just a fifth of its 25 lakh-tonne demand.
To cut dependence on MSP, Assam is pushing value-added processing through micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Since 2020, schemes like PMFME and SFURTI, along with state-led initiatives, have backed products such as maize flour, oil, starch, bioethanol and animal feed. Training, subsidies and infrastructure upgrades form the core of this drive. Research has also played a key role. The ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) in Ludhiana has developed stress-resistant, high-yield hybrids, while three new projects aim to lift productivity further. Cultivation area in Assam has tripled since 2016-17, supported by national missions like NFSNM, which targets both expanded acreage and better yields. Looking ahead, maize demand could nearly double by 2047-48. Under a high-growth scenario, consumption may jump from 47-50 million tonnes in 2030-31 to 94-109 million tonnes by mid-century. Even in a conservative outlook, projections reach 45 million tonnes by 2030-31 and 86 million tonnes by 2047-48.
Assam's maize sector is at a crossroads. While processing initiatives and research advances offer long-term hope, current price gaps continue to squeeze farmers. The state's push for value addition and productivity gains will determine whether future demand growth translates into stable incomes for producers.
