Kurnool: Interest in maize cultivation is growing among farmers in Prakasam district. Last year, maize was cultivated in approximately 50,000 acres, while the area has expanded to around 65,000 acres this year.
Traditionally, farmers in Prakasam focus on crops such as tobacco, red gram, cotton, chillies, black gram, groundnut and paddy. However, maize has gained attention due to its relatively short cultivation cycle and the stability it offers compared to other crops.
Maize is harvested within 90 days, making it a quicker option. Other crops are more susceptible to untimely rains and pest attacks.
Depending on the seed variety, yields range from 3 to 4 tonnes per acre, with prices varying between `25,000 and `40,000 per tonne. Traders provide advance payments for maize cultivation, offering between `10,000 to `20,000 per acre as investment.
“Farmers are increasingly attracted to maize cultivation due to its quick turnaround time and rising market prices. Traders encourage maize farming by offering prices above the support price and advancing the necessary investments. As a result, the area under maize cultivation is steadily increasing each year,” said an agriculture officer from Giddaluru.
The cost of spraying chemicals and other inputs required for maize cultivation is initially covered by traders, reducing the financial burden on farmers. This lack of upfront investment has contributed to the growing popularity of maize as a crop choice.
Last year, maize was cultivated on 50,000 acres, and this year, it has expanded to 65,000 acres. Of this, 40,000 acres are dedicated to seed production and the remaining 25,000 acres are being cultivated for commercial purposes.
In the six mandals of the Giddaluru constituency, the maximum area under maize cultivation this year is around 20,000 acres. Agriculture officials anticipate that more land will gradually shift to maize cultivation in the coming months due to its growing appeal.
