Daily mandi data reveals strong arrivals in Karnataka, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, while premium prices emerge in Odisha and Maharashtra amid quality-driven demand

India’s maize market displayed a sharply fragmented pricing landscape on June 3, with daily arrivals spreading across major producing states and modal prices ranging from as low as Rs 1,500 per quintal to as high as Rs 3,900 per quintal, according to mandi-level arrival and price data.

The latest market intelligence indicates that while bulk-producing states such as Karnataka, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh continued to dominate physical arrivals, premium-quality maize commanded substantially higher prices in select markets, reflecting growing segmentation based on grain quality, regional demand dynamics and local supply conditions.

Among all reported markets, Odisha’s Gunupur APMC in Rayagada district emerged as the standout performer, recording the highest modal maize price at Rs 3,900 per quintal, with transactions ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,500 per quintal. Although arrivals were limited to around 3 metric tonnes, the market significantly outperformed the national average, suggesting strong demand for higher-grade maize and highlighting the premium that quality grain continues to attract in certain regional markets.

Maharashtra and Telangana also demonstrated considerable price strength. Mumbai APMC reported a modal price of Rs 2,700 per quintal, with trades occurring between Rs 2,400 and Rs 2,900 per quintal, making it one of the strongest markets in the country. In Telangana, Asifabad APMC and Khanapur APMC both recorded modal prices of Rs 2,400 per quintal, reflecting robust demand from feed, poultry and industrial buyers. These levels remained comfortably above the broader national trading range of Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200 per quintal observed across much of the country.

On the supply side, Karnataka continued to cement its position as India’s most important maize-producing and marketing hub. Shikaripura APMC in Shivamogga district recorded arrivals of nearly 879 metric tonnes, among the highest reported nationwide. Additional large arrivals were seen at Doddaballapur APMC in Bengaluru Rural with more than 453 metric tonnes, Hanagal APMC in Haveri with over 320 metric tonnes, H.B. Halli APMC in Vijayanagara with nearly 238 metric tonnes, and Honnali APMC in Davangere with over 137 metric tonnes. Despite these significant volumes, prices remained relatively stable between Rs 1,994 and Rs 2,180 per quintal, suggesting balanced demand from the livestock, poultry and feed sectors.

Gujarat also witnessed strong market activity, led by Dahod APMC, which handled approximately 151.5 metric tonnes of maize arrivals, while Himatnagar APMC received over 124 metric tonnes. Modal prices in the state generally ranged from Rs 2,050 to Rs 2,150 per quintal. White maize traded at around Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,200 per quintal in Dahod, while yellow maize in Himatnagar achieved modal prices of approximately Rs 2,150 per quintal, indicating steady industrial and feed sector demand.

Uttar Pradesh maintained its position as one of the country’s largest maize marketing regions, with substantial arrivals reported across multiple mandis. Bhehjoi APMC in Sambhal district recorded arrivals exceeding 842 metric tonnes, while Ujhani APMC in Badaun handled around 250 metric tonnes. Charra APMC in Aligarh received approximately 112 metric tonnes and Madhoganj APMC in Hardoi registered arrivals of over 102 metric tonnes. Despite the large volumes, prices remained relatively subdued, with modal rates largely fluctuating between Rs 1,750 and Rs 2,000 per quintal, suggesting comfortable supplies and limited upward pressure on prices.

Northern markets in Haryana and Rajasthan remained comparatively weak. Babain APMC in Kurukshetra reported arrivals of more than 131 metric tonnes but recorded a modal price of just Rs 1,500 per quintal, among the lowest in the country. Similarly, Rajasthan’s Begu APMC in Chittorgarh traded at Rs 1,800 per quintal, while Kota APMC reported a modal price of Rs 1,950 per quintal. These lower price levels may reflect localised oversupply, quality-related factors or subdued procurement activity.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s maize markets displayed notable resilience despite moderate arrivals. Ettayapuram APMC reported a modal price of Rs 2,250 per quintal, Alangeyam traded at Rs 2,216 per quintal, Kallakurichi recorded Rs 2,140 per quintal, and Villupuram hovered around Rs 2,095 per quintal. The state’s pricing strength continues to be supported by sustained demand from feed manufacturers, starch processors and livestock producers.

The data further underscores a growing trend across India’s maize economy: quality differentiation is increasingly driving price discovery. Hybrid maize, yellow maize, white maize and specialty grades continue to command varying premiums across regions. Markets handling FAQ and Grade-1 quality maize generally achieved higher realisations compared to non-FAQ arrivals, highlighting the increasing importance of quality parameters in influencing buyer behaviour.

Overall, the latest mandi data suggests that India’s maize market remains fundamentally well supplied, particularly in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. However, strong premiums in select consumption centres demonstrate that buyers remain willing to compete aggressively for superior-quality grain. With demand from the poultry, livestock and industrial sectors remaining firm, prices are expected to stay broadly range-bound in the near term. Nevertheless, regional quality premiums, logistics considerations and supply-demand imbalances across states are likely to continue shaping market movements as the season progresses. Industry observers note that the widening gap between high-volume producing regions and premium consumption centres may increasingly influence procurement strategies, especially among feed manufacturers seeking consistency in grain quality, performance and supply reliability.