Maize prices in Karnataka are flat and are likely to remain subdued till June due to low consumption.
Currently, maize is trading at Rs 1,300-1400 a quintal (100 kg) at Davangere, Hubli and Gadag markets.
“Prices are subdued due to low consumption from end users — poultry industry and poor demand for exports,” B.V. Gopal Reddy, Vice-President, Karnataka Maize Merchants’ Association, told
Due to demand for maize from Bangalore-based poultry companies, prices are ruling at Rs 1,430-1,450 for delivery at Bangalore, he added.
As sowing has begun in parts of North Karnataka, UAS-Dharwad’s Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) has advised the farmers that maize prices are to rule around Rs 1,400-1,500 in Ranebennur.
Balachandra K. Naik, Head DEMIC, said “We have come out with price forecast to help farmers. Currently, they are in a dilemma to go for maize or take up alternate crop during the ensuing kharif season.
“In order to guide the farmers to take right decision, we at DEMIC studied and analysed the market behaviour of prices in selected regulated and commercial markets of North Karnataka,” he added.
Sunflower
Framers in Bagalkot region are busy in preparing their lands for sunflower sowing, one of the major oilseed crops in north Karnataka.
“In order to prepare them, DEMIC has come out with a forecast that kharif grown sunflower may trade at Rs 3,800-4,250 in August-September,” said Naik.