Now Reading: TNAU forecasts maize at ₹2,700 a quintal in Tamil Nadu
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TNAU forecasts maize at ₹2,700 a quintal in Tamil Nadu
The Story in Brief
Maize prices in Tamil Nadu are likely to hover around ₹2,700 a quintal at the farm gate during the harvest season, according to a pre-harvest price forecast by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). The university’s Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell arrived at the forecast after analysing 15 years of prices at the Udumalpet market and a market survey.
The forecast comes as the India Meteorological Department predicts below-normal North-East monsoon rainfall over the southern peninsula, which could affect crop availability and prices in the State. Tamil Nadu produces about 33 lakh tonnes of maize from 5.4 lakh hectares, with Salem, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Villupuram and Tiruppur among the major producing districts.
Subsequent price movements will depend on arrivals from Bihar, the cell said, advising farmers to make selling decisions based on market conditions. Demand for maize has risen from the animal feed, fuel blending and starch processing industries. India produced 550.93 lakh tonnes of maize from 144.08 lakh hectares in 2025-26.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The TNAU forecast gives Tamil Nadu maize farmers a rare pre-harvest price anchor of ₹2,700 a quintal, but the figure hinges on arrivals from Bihar and monsoon rainfall that is already forecast to be below normal. A rainfall deficit would tighten local supply and could push prices higher, while heavy Bihar arrivals would do the opposite, leaving farmers to time sales between two moving variables. The advisory to monitor market conditions before selling leaves the real decision to individual growers with no further guidance from the cell.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
