Top 10 Maize Producing States in India in 2023: A Complete List

Top 10 Maize Producing States in India in 2024: In 2024, India witnessed significant maize production across several states, contributing to the nation’s agricultural output. This comprehensive list highlights the top 10 maize-producing states based on their yield and cultivation practices. Maize cultivation is a vital component of India’s agricultural landscape, supporting food security, livestock feed, and various industrial applications.

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Top 10 Maize Producing States in India in 2024

Rank	State	Contribution to Total Maize Production
1	Karnataka	15%
2	Madhya Pradesh	15%
3	Maharashtra	12%
4	Uttar Pradesh	8%
5	Bihar	7%
6	Telangana	6%
7	Gujarat	5%
8	Tamil Nadu	3%
9	Jammu & Kashmir	3%
10	Rajasthan	9%

India has the 7th position in maize production in the world and the 4th position in terms of maize cultivation area. In percentage share, India’s maize production is approx. 2% of the total maize production and covers 4% of the overall maize cultivation area. Within India, Karnataka is the 1st in the top maize producer states, and Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are in the next positions.

What is Maize – Overview

Crop Name	Maize (corn)
Importance	Third most important crop in India, used in food, animal husbandry, and raw materials production
Cultivation	– Grown in diverse climates
	– Mainly as Kharif crop (83%)
	– 70%+ of Kharif maize under rainfed farming

Maize, commonly recognised as corn, stands as a pivotal cereal crop within the agricultural spectrum of India. Following rice and wheat, it secures its position as the third most crucial crop cultivated in the country. Its significance extends beyond a mere dietary component, finding applications in diverse industries such as food, animal husbandry, and raw material production.

Understanding Maize Growth in India

India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions favour maize cultivation in several states. Maize can be grown as both a Kharif and Rabi crop. Notably, Kharif maize accounts for 83% of the total maize cultivation area and Rabi crops for 17%. More than 70% also grow Kharif maize under rainfed farming.

Top Maize Producing States in India 2024

The major maize producing states in India in 2023 are:

1. Karnataka

Karnataka is the primary maize producing nation, contributing approximately 15% of India’s total maize production. The state’s agricultural ability is complemented by mild climate and rich soil for maize cultivation.

Modern agricultural practices such as high yielding hybrid varieties, modern irrigation and crop management have contributed to Karnataka’s superior maize production.

2. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh ranks 2nd among all producing states of maize in India (around 15% of the nation’s total production).

Madhya Pradesh offers diverse agro-climatic conditions and a strong agricultural infrastructure to large scale maize cultivation. Government initiatives to promote hybrid seeds and modern farming techniques have also taken the state’s maize production to new heights.

3. Maharashtra

Large agricultural lands and a mild climate make Maharashtra a key producer of maize in India contributing about 12% of the output.

4. Rajasthan

Despite water shortages, Rajasthan’s farmers have adopted advanced irrigation methods as drip and sprinkler irrigation to increase the productivity and efficiency of maize cultivation. The state contributes now around 9% to India’s total maize production.

5. Uttar Pradesh

The most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh produces approximately 8% of the country’s output. Beneficial features of the state include fertile soil and favourable climatic conditions for growing maize.

6. Bihar

Bihar has fertile Gangetic plains which contribute around 7% of total maize output. The state’s agricultural sector has fertile alluvial soil, a suitable climate and irrigation facilities.

In Bihar, hybrid maize varieties and improved agricultural practices have synergistically increased yields and increased maize production, highlighting the state’s role in national maize production.

7. Telangana

Telangana, responsible for approximately 6% of India’s total maize production, boasts fertile soil, well-distributed rainfall, and extensive irrigation facilities that contribute to its success in maize cultivation.

8. Gujarat

Gujarat contributes approx. 5% to the nation’s total maize output and the major reasons for its success are the state’s coastal location, its fertile soil and even rainfall.

Gujarat’s commitment to modern farming techniques, the adoption of improved seed varieties, and efficient water management practices have collectively contributed to the growth of maize production in the state.

9. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, with its diverse agro-climatic zones, contributes approximately 3% to India’s total maize production. The state’s is doing well for maize cultivation because of its favourable rainfall patterns, its irrigation facilities, etc. that have collectively contributed to increased maize production.

10. Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir has also come among the top maize-producing states, with approx. 3% of the nation’s total maize output. The state’s abundant availability of water resources and favourable climate conditions are helpful for maize cultivation.

Conclusion

In 2023, India sees a changing maize cultivation with Karnataka the top producer followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Together these states produce more than 40% of total national maize production. Notable contributors are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana and Gujarat which all have geographic advantage and adopt modern farming methods. Agro-climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir also play important roles. This collective effort in the name of innovation, government support and sustainable agriculture practices defines India’s maize production reflecting a resilient and diverse agricultural sector in the country.

FAQs on Top 10 Maize Producing States in India in 2024

Which state produces the most maize in 2023?

Karnataka is 1st in producing maize. It produces 15% of total national maize production.

What are the major reasons for Maharashtra’s lead in maize cultivation?

Its vast agricultural lands, favourable climate and progressive agricultural policies help Maharashtra produce around 12% of India’s maize.

How does Madhya Pradesh grow so much in production of maize?

Diverse agro-climatic conditions, a good agricultural infrastructure and government initiatives to promote hybrid seeds and modern farming techniques have contributed to significant growth in maize production in Madhya Pradesh.

What hurdles does Rajasthan face to become a maize producing state?

Arid climate notwithstanding, Rajasthan manages to produce maize owing to sandy loam soil, irrigation and advanced irrigation techniques.

How does Uttar Pradesh help in Indian maize production?

With rich soil and well-irrigated areas, Uttar Pradesh produces eight% of India’s maize, and has a wide network of farming extension services.

Why is Bihar one of the top contributors to maize production?

Bihar has fertile Gangetic plains, suitable climate and adoption of hybrid maize varieties.

How does Telangana become successful in cultivating maize?

Telangana has 6% of total production and is successful due to fertile soil, evenly distributed rainfall and modern farming practices by its farmers.

Why does Gujarat hold the top position among the maize producing states?

Gujarat has coastal location, fertile soil and focus on modern farming techniques, and produces around 5% of India’s total maize.