As farmers intensify protests in North Karnataka demanding the procurement of maize at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the state government has committed to providing all possible support to growers. This includes engaging major distilleries and the poultry industry to facilitate the purchase of maize.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah announced plans to convene with key distilleries in the state to instruct them to commence immediate procurement of maize for ethanol production. He also indicated that discussions would occur with the poultry sector, which has a significant demand for the cereal.
“The state government will extend all possible support to maize farmers affected by the price crash,” Siddaramiah stated in a post on X after reviewing growers’ concerns on Friday. He emphasized that domestic production is robust and mentioned that the state would urge the Central Government to impose restrictions on the import of 700,000 tonnes of maize.
Maize prices have remained consistently below the MSP of ₹2,400 per quintal due to increased production and diminished demand from key sectors. According to wholesale price data from Agmarknet, average maize prices have been around ₹1,814 per quintal in November, reflecting a 6% decline from the previous month and a 17% drop compared to the same period last year.
During the meeting, officials discussed the growth of maize production both in Karnataka and nationwide. Siddaramiah noted that the quota allocated to Karnataka for ethanol production from maize is significantly low, which has contributed to reduced procurement by distilleries. He criticized the distilleries for stockpiling maize when prices were low and now showing reluctance to purchase, claiming this behavior violates established norms.
Despite guidance from the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution regarding procurement under the MSP scheme through Nafed/NCCF and the use of maize for ethanol production, procurement has not commenced, exacerbating the crisis.
The state government aims to urge the Central Government to swiftly restrict maize imports to stabilize prices. There is also a call to concerned agencies to promptly procure 800,000 tonnes of maize. As procurement centers operated by Nafed/NCCF have not yet opened, the government is demanding they start operations immediately to stabilize market prices.
Published on November 21, 2025.
