The Telangana government has announced plans to intervene in the maize market as prices remain significantly below the minimum support price (MSP). The administration aims to procure at least one-third of the projected output of 43.20 lakh tonnes (lt), resulting in an expenditure of ₹4,173 crore to purchase 14.89 lt of maize at the MSP, set at ₹2,400 per quintal.
The Cabinet has endorsed the proposal and has committed to providing the necessary guarantee to assist the Telangana State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (TS MARKFED) in securing the required funds. Telangana ranks among the leading maize-producing states in India, cultivating the crop over approximately seven lakh hectares, with an expected yield of 65.66 quintals per hectare.
Despite the MSP being established at ₹2,400 per quintal, market prices have plummeted to around ₹1,600 in many mandis, largely due to decreasing global prices, causing farmers to incur losses of ₹800 per quintal. This situation has prompted protests by farmers, particularly in regions like Khammam, where they are urging the state government to step in and facilitate procurement to help alleviate their financial difficulties.
Thus far, the government has procured 2.42 lt of maize from more than 45,000 farmers through 209 centers, expending ₹580.80 crore in the process. In light of the declining maize prices, the Telangana government has recently appealed to the Union government for additional financial assistance for farmers.
Published on April 24, 2026.
