Indian maize production is around 24 MMT annually and is growing 3-4% each year. However, 20% of the crop is lost after harvest due to improper drying and storage methods. Most Indian farmers still use sun drying, which results in uneven drying and degradation of quality. Improper storage at high moistures also leads to mold, aflatoxins, and spoilage. To reduce these post-harvest losses, India needs to establish mechanized mandis with silos, set up high-capacity mechanical dryers at mandi levels, and adopt bulk handling and storage logistics. This would fetch better prices for farmers while also improving the storage life and nutrition of maize.

1. MAIZE: Post Harvest Management
Infrastructure & Logistics

2. Maize
• Indian Production of Maize currently pegged at 24 MMT and
growing.
• Annual rate of growth is around 3 – 4%
• Rough breakup of usage
Poultry – 60%
Human consumption – 25 %
Industrial Products – 15%
(Starch, Brewery etc.)
• Quality of Indian maize comparable to US No.1.
• Indian farmers still use Sun drying methods which results in
value degradation.
• Very poor post harvest handling of Corn in India.
• Bulk Storage, Drying practically non existent.
Indian Scenario

3. Post Harvest Management- Concerns
• Estimated 20% Post-Harvest losses in India
• Harvest at high moisture
• Storage at high moisture causes aflatoxins, infestation,
mould & eventual spoilage
• Maize at 24% must be dried within 10 hrs to prevent
aflatoxins
• Conventional sun drying results in non-uniform moisture
• Lack of Mechanical Dryers at Procurement Centres
• Indigenous technology not fit for Maize processing
• Cost barrier for adoption of imported technology
• High import duty
• Low nutritional value in Indian corn due to improper
storage

4. What is needed…
• Set up Mechanized Mandi with Silos in
existing Mandi yards under PPP mode
• Set up High Capacity Mechanical Dryers at
Mandi level
• Need to adopt Bulk Handling, Storage &
Logistics

5. Mandi Level Dryers
• Commercial Dryers at Mandi yard would fetch
better commercial value to farmers for their
Maize crop
• Storage life would improve
• Nutrition content would sustain
• Efficient & cost effective supply chain