GREEN REVOLUTION IN MAIZE
India has been a success story in the green revolution driven by the private sector, with its maize production having more than tripled over the last 20 years. From being mostly used as a feed crop, maize is now also used as a fuel crop.
The Green Revolution
Began in 1968.
Introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, particularly for wheat and rice.
Pioneers: Agronomist Norman Borlaug developed these seeds.
Indian Contributions: M.S. Swaminathan, known as the “Father of the Indian Green Revolution,” introduced Borlaug’s wheat varieties and other technologies to India.
Institutions: CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) and IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) were crucial in development.
Objectives: Increase agricultural productivity using advanced breeding techniques, fertilizers, and irrigation.
Impact:
Wheat Production: Increased from 12 million tons in 1964-65 to 20 million tons in 1970-71.
Food Security: India achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production and became a major exporter.
Present India’s Maize Production: A Green Revolution in Maize
Maize is principally grown in two seasons, rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi).
Kharif maize represents around 83% of maize area in India, while rabi maize corresponds to 17% maize area.
India ranks 4th in area and 7th in production, among the maize growing countries representing around 4% of the world maize area and 2% of total production.
Significant Increase:
Production Surge: From 11.5 million tonnes in 1999-2000 to over 35 million tonnes in 2023-24.
Yield Growth: Average per-hectare yields increased from 1.8 tonnes to 3.3 tonnes.
Private Sector Leadership:
Contribution: Over 80% of maize is planted with high-yielding hybrids from private seed companies.
Outcome: Reflects a successful private sector-driven green revolution in maize.
Diverse Utilization:
Expanded Role: Maize has shifted from primarily a feed crop to a significant industrial crop for starch and ethanol.
Historical Context and Growth
Transformation: While the Green Revolution focused on wheat and rice, maize production also saw remarkable growth.
Output Increase: India's maize production rose from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes between 1999-2000 and 2023-24.
Yield Improvement: Average per-hectare yields increased substantially during this period.
Maize Utilization
Direct Human Consumption: About 20% of maize is used directly for human consumption.
Feed for Livestock: Approximately 60% of maize is used as feed for poultry and livestock, impacting products like chicken, eggs, and milk.
Industrial Uses of Maize
Starch Applications:
Utilization: 14-15% of maize is used for industrial purposes.
Applications: Maize starch is used in textiles, paper, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages.
Ethanol Production:
Role: Maize is a crucial feedstock for ethanol production.
Blending: Ethanol is blended with petrol and produced during the off-season for sugarcane, with maize becoming the primary alternative due to reduced rice availability.
While maize production has had a considerable parallel revolution, the Green Revolution was mostly focused on wheat and rice. Technological and scientific developments in maize research are driving productivity and efficiency, reflecting the changing agricultural landscape of India.
