1st International Maize Conference 2026 Promotes Innovative Breeding Strategies

The 1st International Maize Conference, themed "Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World" (M4FS), commenced at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad on November 5, 2026. This landmark event gathered scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing maize research, productivity, and value-chain development. The conference highlighted the critical role of maize in addressing food, feed, fodder, and energy security, especially as global agricultural demands continue to rise.

Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), opened the conference by celebrating India's maize production, which has reached approximately 55 million tonnes. He emphasized the need to increase this figure to 75 million tonnes over the next decade. This ambitious target aims for a 1.5-fold increase in productivity, driven by technological innovations, improved crop management practices, and efficient resource utilization.

Dr. Jat proposed a systems-science approach to bridge existing yield gaps in maize production. He stressed the importance of strategically targeting maize cultivation across various seasons and agroecological zones without compromising the production of other essential crops, particularly oilseeds and pulses. "Research and extension must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods," he stated, advocating for a farmer-centric approach that places the needs of farmers at the forefront of agricultural research.

The conference also underscored the necessity of developing affordable, high-quality seeds, particularly public-sector hybrids, supported by a robust seed system. This focus on seed quality is crucial for ensuring that farmers have access to the best resources available, thereby enhancing their productivity and profitability.

Dr. D.K. Yadav, Deputy Director General of Crop Science at ICAR, highlighted maize's potential as a model crop for achieving food, nutritional, and energy security. He noted significant advancements in maize research and extension over the past five years, including the development of 329 new maize hybrids. Dr. Yadav called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize) to further enhance breeding for higher yields and improved nutritional quality.

Collaboration among research institutions, universities, and industry was emphasized as a key factor in realizing maize's potential as an ethanol feedstock. Dr. Yadav's remarks reflect a growing recognition of maize's versatility and its critical role in sustainable agricultural practices.

Padma Shri Dr. S. Vasal, a renowned maize scientist and World Food Laureate associated with CIMMYT, advocated for simple, cost-effective breeding approaches to accelerate the development of improved maize varieties and hybrids tailored to farmers' needs. His insights align with the conference's overarching goal of fostering innovation in maize breeding to meet the challenges posed by [climate change](/topic/climate-change) and evolving agricultural demands.

Former Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, Padma Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda, who served as the Chief Guest, stressed the importance of aligning research priorities with the dynamic needs of [agriculture](/topic/agriculture-msp) and allied sectors. He called for greater utilization of advanced breeding techniques, systematic germplasm conservation, and stronger maize value chains to ensure the safety and quality of maize for food and feed.

The conference also featured the release of several scientific publications and the presentation of awards to eminent scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to maize research and development. Dr. H.S. Jat, President of the Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted maize's strategic importance in India's agricultural transformation.

The discussions at the conference underscored the necessity of collaborative, farmer-centric research to bridge yield gaps, improve seed access, strengthen breeding programs, enhance nutritional quality, and develop sustainable maize value chains. As the global population continues to grow, the need for innovative solutions in maize production becomes increasingly urgent. The insights and strategies shared at the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maize cultivation in India and beyond.