National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Brainstorming Session
on
Rainfed Maize in India: A Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Productivity by Amrit Kaal 2047

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) organised a brainstorming session on “Rainfed Maize in India: A Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Productivity by Amrit Kaal 2047” on April 27, 2026, in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr. M. L. Jat, President, NAAS and Secretary, DARE & Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with Dr. S. K. Vasal, FNAAS as Co-chair. The session brought together leading scientists, breeders, agronomists, industry stakeholders, and policy experts to address the challenge of low productivity in India’s rainfed maize systems-where nearly 70% of cultivation occurs but yields remain below global averages-and to develop a comprehensive six-pillar roadmap focusing on climate-resilient hybrids, water and nutrient management, mechanisation, post-harvest systems, and strengthened seed and policy frameworks, with the long-term vision of achieving 100–110 million tonnes of maize production by 2047 and positioning India as a global leader in food, feed, and bioenergy security.