Maize prices traded steady to slightly weaker across key markets, as current supplies remained sufficient to meet prevailing demand. While near-term market outlooks remain mixed, underlying fundamentals suggest the potential for firming prices ahead. Market participants reported a cautious sentiment, with some traders expecting downward pressure on prices in the wake of recent maize imports from Burma and subdued demand from major poultry firms in Tamil Nadu. However, others downplayed the likelihood of any significant fall, citing tightening spot availability due to lower arrivals from key producing states. “Domestic buyers are gradually shifting back to local procurement, especially as global corn prices remain elevated and transportation costs for imports continue to rise,” a trader from Nizamabad mandi said. Sowing Momentum Picks Up The 2025 Kharif season has seen a sharp uptick in maize sowing activity. As of July 11, total maize acreage across India reached 61.88 lakh hectares, marking a significant rise of 21.67 lakh hectares from 40.21 lakh hectares during the same period last year. State-wise sowing data reflects strong growth: • Maharashtra: 12.35 lakh ha (↑2.60 lakh ha YoY) • Karnataka: 14.93 lakh ha (↑1.93 lakh ha YoY) • Rajasthan: 9.14 lakh ha (↑1.00 lakh ha YoY) • Gujarat: 1.60 lakh ha (↓0.66 lakh ha YoY) • Telangana: 4.49 lakh ha (↑1.60 lakh ha YoY) In total, these five states have contributed 42.51 lakh hectares, up from 36.04 lakh hectares last year—a net gain of 6.47 lakh hectares. Agricultural experts suggest that if the monsoon remains favorable through August, India could witness record maize output this season. Regional Price Trends •Bihar: The Rabi crop has now cleared from the market, making good-quality maize scarce. Prices on the Semapur-Mansi belt have surged to ₹2200–₹2300 per quintal this week. •Uttar Pradesh: In areas like Etah, Pahasu, Kasganj, and Unjhani, arrivals have declined, pushing up mandi prices by ₹20, now hovering at ₹2120–₹2130 per quintal. Warehouse deliveries are being quoted at ₹2150 per quintal, reflecting firm demand amid tightening supply of dry stocks. With dry maize increasingly hard to source, and new harvests still some distance away, prices are expected to remain supported in the near term, barring any large-scale imports or demand shocks.