Bahraich: Farmers in Bahraich district who cultivate maize are seeing a steady rise in their income, leading to an increase in the area under maize cultivation. The maize purchased from local farmers is being sold to the Parle sugar mill in Parsendi, where it is being used to produce ethanol. As a result, farmers no longer have to struggle to find buyers for their produce.
In this agriculture-rich district, maize has traditionally been grown as a coarse grain. Earlier, farmers mainly used it for household consumption or sold it as flour, rice, or corn cobs. However, with changing times and the growing demand for ethanol, maize is now also being used for ethanol production. This new market has encouraged farmers to expand maize cultivation across their fields.
District Agriculture Officer Dr. Subedar Yadav said that during the Rabi season, maize was sown on about 25,000 hectares in the district. The average yield ranged between 50 and 70 quintals per hectare. Following government instructions, maize was procured through five purchase centers and later sold to the Parle sugar mill in Parsendi, where it is being processed into ethanol.
The ethanol produced is used in fuel blending, as well as in the manufacture of liquor, beer, medicines, and sanitizers. Farmers such as Radheshyam from Motipur, Ram Dhyan Kushwaha from Semrahna, and Sanju Gupta from Nainiha shared that maize requires less time and lower input costs compared to other crops. Government procurement has helped them earn better profits.
Dr. Yadav also noted that farmers in the district grow maize three times a year—during the Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid seasons. Zaid sowing takes place after harvesting lentils, mustard, and potatoes. Maize is ready within four to five months and is sold to the Parle sugar mill through traders and agriculture department officials, ensuring a reliable market for farmers.
