Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, Highlights Significance of the Conference and Importance of Maize in the Changing World
HYDERABAD, NOVEMBER 01, 2026: The global maize community is set to assemble in Hyderabad for the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 (IMC-2026), on the theme “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World (M4FS)”. The conference is scheduled to be held from November 2 to 4, 2026, at JD Convention Centre, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana.
A curtain-raiser programme for the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 (IMC-2026) was held at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM), Hyderabad, on November 1. Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), briefed the media on the objectives, significance and key focus areas of the international conference.
Addressing the media, Dr. M. L. Jat highlighted the growing importance of maize in addressing global challenges related to food and nutritional security, livestock feed, fodder, industrial applications, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. He emphasised the need to strengthen research, promote technological innovations and foster collaborations among national and international institutions to harness the full potential of maize.
Dr. M.L. Jat said that the three-day conference is jointly organised by the Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI), Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR).
He informed that more than 500 delegates from India and several other countries, including scientists, policymakers, academicians, industry representatives, development partners, entrepreneurs and farmer organisations, are expected to participate in the conference.
Highlighting the remarkable growth of India’s maize sector, Dr. M.L. Jat said that maize production in the country has increased from less than 2 million tonnes in 1950-51 to over 55 million tonnes in 2025-26. He said that the conference would deliberate on opportunities to further strengthen the maize ecosystem through climate-resilient varieties, advanced breeding technologies, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, mechanisation, smart farming, sustainable production systems and value addition.
He further explained that the scientific programme would feature plenary lectures, technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, industry interactions and policy dialogues. An international Maize Innovation and Industry Exhibition will also showcase the latest technologies, machinery, seed innovations, digital agriculture solutions, bioenergy opportunities and value-added products across the maize value chain.
Dr. M.L. Jat highlighted the participation of Dr. S. K. Vasal, World Food Prize Laureate, whose pioneering contributions to maize breeding have significantly influenced global agricultural development. The conference will also witness the release of landmark publications documenting India’s maize development journey and the contributions of eminent scientists.
The conference is expected to provide an important international platform for strengthening partnerships and shaping a roadmap towards a resilient, productive and sustainable maize sector.
Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana; Dr. H. S. Jat, Organising Chairman, International Maize Conference 2026 and Director, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur; and Dr. Balram Marathi, Director of Research, PJTAU, Hyderabad, participated in the curtain-raiser programme.
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