Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Jujharpur are increasingly turning to maize cultivation, driven by stable and higher prices, experts said at a farmer outreach event in the region. The growing demand for maize is largely attributed to its use in ethanol production, which has kept prices favorable.
Addressing the gathering, agricultural scientist Dr. Deepak Khande advised farmers to adopt farming practices that not only save time and money but also enhance soil fertility.
Assistant Agriculture Director Priyanka Jain urged farmers to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ensure sustainable farming.
The importance of maize has increased in recent times, as it is not only used for human consumption and is vital for the poultry industry, but it is also rapidly emerging as an energy crop. Maize is used in producing ethanol, which, when blended with petrol, helps reduce petroleum imports and benefits farmers. Farmers, therefore, end up being both food and energy providers.
Madhya Pradesh primarily focuses on grain-based ethanol production, and due to favorable policies and availability of feedstock, many ethanol projects are being developed in the state.
