Maize output hit by deficient monsoon rain

New Delhi, The agriculture ministry has estimated the Maize output to go down marginally during 2012-13. The summer-sown Maize production is estimated at 14.89 million tonnes again last year's 16.22 million tonnes. The reason behind this shortfall is the deficient rainfall during the monsoon season. The summer-sown variety accounts for more than 80 per cent of India's total Maize output.

With this shortfall and increase in domestic demand, India may fall short by 40 percent in its annual Maize exports. India consumes 17-18 million tonnes of Maize annually, while harvests hover around 21 million tonnes. This year, domestic demand for Maize is expected to rise by 7-8 per cent. A growing preference for poultry-based food has also increased domestic consumption and prices of Maize, which is used in animal feed, making exports unattractive.

In the year ending September 30, 2012, the forecast exports are expected to fall to around 3 million tonnes as the agriculture ministry cuts its outlook for the crop due to a delay in the annual monsoon rain. Any decline in Indian exports would benefit Brazil and Argentina, reversing the 2011-12 scenario, when India's exports soared because the Maize crop in both countries, and the top supplier United States, were devastated by drought.