Ethanol Demand Drives Expansion of Maize Cultivation in Sonbhadra
Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a key maize-producing region, driven by the growing demand for ethanol across India. For the upcoming Kharif season, the district administration has set an ambitious target of cultivating maize on 77,082 hectares, nearly double the 38,201 hectares recorded last year.
The move reflects the increasing importance of maize as a feedstock for ethanol production and the rising interest among farmers in cultivating the crop due to its attractive market prices and growing industrial demand.
Farmers Shift Towards Maize as Profitable Alternative
The regions of Dudhi, Babhani, Myorpur, and Kon in Sonbhadra have been identified as major maize-growing belts due to their favorable agro-climatic conditions. Local farmers are increasingly adopting maize cultivation, encouraged by better returns and expanding opportunities linked to India’s ethanol blending programme.Agriculture officials believe that higher maize production will not only support the ethanol industry but also improve farm incomes across the district.
UP Agro Pilot Project Supporting Modern Farming Practices
Under the Uttar Pradesh Agro (UP Agro) pilot project, Sonbhadra has been included alongside Varanasi and Mirzapur. The initiative aims to promote scientific farming by providing farmers with advanced agricultural technologies, quality seeds, and technical training.Officials expect the programme to significantly enhance productivity while helping farmers adopt sustainable and profitable cultivation practices.
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Maize Area Surpasses Paddy for the First Time
In a notable shift in cropping patterns, Sonbhadra has allocated more area to maize than paddy during the current Kharif season. While paddy cultivation has been targeted at 68,073 hectares, maize cultivation has been planned for 77,082 hectares.
Pigeon pea (arhar) ranks third with a sowing target of 28,604 hectares. The district’s overall Kharif crop target has been fixed at 200,998 hectares, including coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and other crops.According to Sandeep Kumar Maurya, Additional District Agriculture Officer, the decision to significantly expand maize cultivation has been taken in view of rising ethanol demand. He stated that the initiative is expected to provide substantial income growth opportunities for farmers while strengthening the agricultural supply chain for the ethanol sector.
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