Which are the top 3 maize-producing states in India?
Commonly known as the “Queen of Cereals”, maize is the third most important food grain for India after rice and wheat. Maize production in India has more than tripled over the last two decades. In this article, we will learn about the top 3 maize-producing states in India.
Commonly known as the “Queen of Cereals”, maize is the third most important food grain for India after rice and wheat. According to APEDA, India is ranked fourth globally in terms of global maize acreage with 10.74 million ha of land under maize. India’s maize production was pegged at 43.41 million tonnes in 2024-25, as per APEDA.
India’s maize output has grown more than three times in the last two decades. Maize is grown throughout the year, mostly as a Kharif crop. FAO data mentions India as the fifth largest producer of maize in 2020. Maize productivity in India is around 3.54 t/ha, which is just over 50 per cent of the world average (4.9 t/ha).
The United States, China, Brazil and Argentina produce more than 65 per cent of the world's production. The 10 largest maize-producing countries in the world are the USA, China, Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, India, Mexico, South Africa, Canada and Russia. India is also among the top 10 maize consumers in the world.
Which are the top 3 maize-producing states in India?
Major wheat-growing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana and West Bengal.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26 report, the top 3 maize-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar.
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of maize in India, with an estimated production of 6.64 million tonnes. It represents 15.30 per cent of the country's maize production.
Karnataka is the second largest producer of maize in India with an estimated production capacity of 6.19 million tonnes. It represents 14.26 per cent of the maize production.
Bihar is the third largest producer of maize in the country with a production capacity of 5.47 million tonnes. This represents 12.60 per cent of the country's maize production.
India exports around 90 per cent of its maize to nearby countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
As per APEDA, India has exported 556416.94 MT of maize to the world for the worth of Rs. 1705.93 crores ($201.17 millions) in 2024-25.
Key Facts about Maize Production In India
Different kinds of maize are sweet corn, dent corn (field corn), flint corn (Indian or Calico corn), popcorn, flour corn, and pod corn (wild maize).
About 60 per cent of maize is used for feeding poultry and livestock, while only 20 per cent is used for human consumption.
With 68 to 72 per cent starch, maize grains find use in the textile, paper and pharmaceutical industries.
Roopashree Sharma is an experienced broadcast journalist with over 7 years of experience, specialising in beats including geopolitics, defence, and general awareness. She has worked in the roles of correspondent and producer for leading media houses, including Zee, WION, and Economic Times. Currently serving as Deputy Manager – Editorial at Jagran New Media, she produces explainer articles and videos for the General Knowledge (GK) section of the Jagran Josh (English) portal. For inquiries, contact her at roopashree.sharma@jagrannewmedia.com.
