The 1st International Maize Conference 2026, 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 2, 2026. The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, agricultural institutions, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing maize research, productivity, and value-chain development.
Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and DG ICAR, announced that India's maize production has reached approximately 55 million tonnes with substantial productivity gains over the past decade. He called for increasing production to 75 million tonnes over the next decade alongside a further 1.5-fold increase in productivity through technological innovation, improved crop management, and efficient resource utilization. Dr. Jat emphasized expanding the traditional 4F vision to 5F by placing Farmers at the center, stressing that research and extension must translate into higher farm profitability and improved livelihoods.
The conference highlighted the development of 329 maize hybrids over the past five years and emphasized the need for breeding higher-yielding varieties with improved nutritional quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. D.K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) at ICAR, described maize as a model crop for food, nutritional, and energy security and called for strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize (AICRP on Maize). He emphasized the need for collaboration among research institutions, universities, and industry to realize maize's potential as an ethanol feedstock.
Key strategic approaches discussed included a systems-science approach to bridge yield gaps, particularly those arising from crop management, and strategic targeting of maize across seasons and agroecological zones without compromising other important crops like oilseeds and pulses. The conference also emphasized the need for affordable, quality seed, especially public-sector hybrids, supported by a robust seed system, mechanization, capacity development, and effective aflatoxin management to ensure maize safety and quality for food and feed.
Several scientific publications were released during the program, and awards were presented to eminent scientists and researchers in recognition of their contributions to maize research and development. The conference, being held from November 2-4, 2026, aims to provide a platform for national and international experts to shape a roadmap for a productive, profitable, and sustainable maize sector in India.