Maize price today in India
Yellow shelled maize, used as a primary energy source in cattle feed.
Last 30 days
Statistics (30 days)
About Maize in cattle feed
Maize (corn) is the single most important energy ingredient in Indian compound cattle feed. Its starch content of 65-72% makes it the cheapest source of rumen-available energy per rupee, which is why every commercial cattle feed formulation in India starts with maize. Typical inclusion in Type-1 lactating cattle feed is 25-40% of the concentrate by weight.
Maize prices in India are driven by three main forces: kharif and rabi harvest yields (peak arrivals in October-November and April-May), MSP announcements from CACP, and demand from the poultry sector — which competes directly with cattle feed for the same maize. Ethanol demand has also become a significant price factor since 2023 as the government's E20 blending programme pulled maize into distillery use.
For farmers buying maize directly, the two quality checks that matter are moisture (must be below 14%, ideally 12%) and broken kernels (below 5% for feed use). Damp maize goes mouldy within days and can produce aflatoxin — the single most dangerous mycotoxin for dairy cattle.
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Complete guide to DDGS in Indian cattle feed — Maize DDGS, Rice DDGS, and Maize DOC. Protein and fat specs, colour-quality link, aflatoxin risk, dosing.
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Frequently asked questions about Maize
What is the price of maize per kg in India today?
Maize wholesale price varies daily by state and quality grade. The live price shown on this page reflects the current wholesale rate for feed-grade yellow maize in the Indian market. For local retail rates, add ₹1-3/kg over the wholesale price depending on distance from producing regions like Bihar, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Why is maize price rising in India?
Three factors drive maize price rises: shortfall in kharif or rabi production (weather-driven), increased demand from ethanol distilleries under the E20 blending programme, and firm poultry-feed demand competing with cattle feed. When two or three of these hit at once, maize can rise 15-25% within a few weeks. El Niño years, in particular, cause repeated maize price spikes.
How much maize should I feed my dairy cow per day?
Maize should not exceed 35-40% of the concentrate portion of a dairy cow's ration — beyond this, the high starch load risks rumen acidosis. For a lactating cow yielding 15 L/day getting 6 kg of concentrate per day, maize inclusion of 2-2.5 kg/day is typical. Always feed maize as part of a balanced concentrate that includes protein sources like soybean meal or cakes, plus fibre and minerals.