Hyderabad Hosts 1st International Maize Conference 2026
Hyderabad has hosted the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 at the JD Convention Centre. The event focused on the 'M4FS' theme, reviewing India's current maize production of around 55 million tonnes and setting a target of 75 million tonnes over the next decade.
What happened
The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 (IMC-2026) was held from November 2 to November 4, 2026, at the JD Convention Centre in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. A curtain-raiser programme preceded the event on November 1, 2026, at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM) in Hyderabad. The conference drew over 500 delegates, including international scientists, policymakers, agricultural universities, and agribusiness leaders.
The event was addressed by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Discussions focused on expanding the traditional 4F framework (Food, Feed, Fodder, and Fuel) into a 5F approach by placing farmers at the centre, boosting ethanol blending feedstock, and bridging yield gaps across Kharif, Rabi, and Spring seasons without displacing oilseeds and pulses.
Important dates
| Curtain-Raiser Programme | 1 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1st International Maize Conference 2026 | 2 November 2026 to 4 November 2026 |
📌 Static GK links
- Venue of the 1st International Maize Conference 2026: JD Convention Centre, Shamshabad, Hyderabad.
- Leading maize-producing states in India include Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
- ICAR operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
What candidates should do
- Note down the exact conference theme acronym (M4FS) and what each letter stands for, as theme-based questions are common in competitive exams.
- Memorize India's current maize production figure (~55 million tonnes) and the future decadal target (75 million tonnes).
- Revise India's global ranking in maize area (4th) and production (5th to 6th) for current affairs and agriculture economics sections.
PrepZen analysis
The 1st International Maize Conference 2026 marks a major milestone in India's agricultural strategy, particularly as the country pushes toward targets in biofuel blending and food security. With maize serving multiple roles across food consumption, poultry feed, and industrial ethanol production, scaling up production to 75 million tonnes requires careful synchronization of hybrid seed development through ICAR and the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize. For aspirants of UPSC Prelims, banking exams, and state PCS, this topic bridges agricultural economics, government production targets, and international standing.
Practice questions
Q1. Where was the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 held?
Q2. What is the target set for India's maize production over the next decade as discussed at the conference?
Q3. What does the 'M4FS' theme of the conference stand for?
Venue: JD Convention Centre, Hyderabad.
Theme: "Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World" (M4FS).
Current maize production is approximately 55 million tonnes.
🎯 Key Point: Hyderabad hosted the 1st International Maize Conference 2026 with M4FS theme.
FAQs
What was the venue of the 1st International Maize Conference 2026?
The conference was held at the JD Convention Centre, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana.
What is India's current rank in maize production globally?
India ranks 5th to 6th globally in maize production, while it ranks 4th in terms of maize cultivated area.
What is the new '5F' approach proposed at the conference?
The conference recommended expanding the traditional 4F framework (Food, Feed, Fodder, and Fuel) into a 5F approach by placing Farmers at the centre.
Who addressed the 1st International Maize Conference 2026?
The conference was addressed by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR.
Sources and references
- uniindia.com (www.uniindia.com)
- fnbnews.com (www.fnbnews.com)
- drishtiias.com (www.drishtiias.com)
- icar.org.in (icar.org.in)
Prepared by PrepZen for exam preparation. Consult the linked sources for original announcements and current details. Corrections policy. Spotted an error? Write to prepzen.app@gmail.com.
Practice Quiz — 4 November 2026
Q1. Who has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equitas Small Finance Bank?
Q2. Which businesses of Deutsche Bank AG in India has Kotak Mahindra Bank acquired with CCI approval?
Q3. What was the standalone net profit reported by State Bank of India for the quarter ended 30 September 2026 (Q2 FY27)?
Q4. In which year were the three Presidency Banks (Bengal, Bombay, and Madras) merged to form the Imperial Bank of India?
Q5. India's first Road Safety Research and Training Centre is set to be developed in which district of Maharashtra?
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