The Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, stated there was a need to increase maize production in the country and that her Ministry has encouraged State Governments to amend the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act.
“Though Punjab is considered a progressive agricultural State, the emergence of of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in enhanced maize production is commendable,” she said, while inaugurating the third edition of the ‘India Maize Summit 2015’ here on Thursday, while adding that it was time for other States to learn and share best practices to raise average maize production that is currently below the global average.
“It is also important to diversify from wheat and rice to maize as it can provide great nutritional at an affordable price to the malnourished population,” said Badal, who believed there was great potential for maize exports which could be tapped by the right infrastructure, technological know-how and a seamless value chain.