Union Agriculture Minister inaugurates new Administrative-cum-Laboratory Building of ICAR–IIMR, Ludhiana

14 October 2025, Ludhiana

The newly constructed Administrative-cum-Laboratory Building of the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, was inaugurated today by the Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

In his address, Shri Chouhan stated that maize is no longer just a crop, it has become the foundation of India’s food, nutrition, feed, industrial, and bioenergy security. He informed that maize production in the country grew by 10.5% last year, reaching 42 million tonnes. During this Kharif season, maize has expanded to nearly one million additional hectares, and production is expected to reach 47–50 million tonnes. He also highlighted that maize is emerging as a major industrial crop, contributing nearly 50% to ethanol production. The ethanol sector has significantly enhanced farmers’ income, saving ₹1.44 lakh crore in crude oil imports, of which ₹1.25 lakh crore has been directly paid to farmers. He noted that maize alone has contributed to an estimated benefit of ₹45,000 crore for farmers, marking a major step in transforming them from “Annadata (food providers)” to “Indhanadata (fuel providers).”

The event was graced by Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways, Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Agriculture Minister, Punjab and Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), along with several others dignitaries.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary emphasized that India is moving towards making maize a crop suitable for all seasons and regions. He added that developing maize as an industrial crop will help strengthen agricultural sustainability and ensure stable income for farmers.

Dr. Jat, stated that the Prime Minister’s vision of “Farmer Prosperity and Self-Reliant Agriculture” is being realized through multi-purpose crops like maize. Organized maize research in India began in 1957 with the launch of the All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project, which was later strengthened and established as the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research in 2015. He stated that the institute not only focuses on research but also promotes crop diversification, industrial utilization, and sustainable farmer income. Maize cultivation has become fully mechanized, reducing labor, time, and cost, while also supporting conservation agriculture practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and ensure efficient resource use.

Dr. Jat also mentioned that polylactic acid biopolymers derived from maize are emerging as a revolutionary substitute for biodegradable plastic, supporting environmental sustainability and strengthening the “Green India-Clean India” vision.

Dr. Hanuman Sahay Jat, Director, ICAR–IIMR, shared that the institute has developed over 45 high-yielding maize hybrids, adopted by more than 30 private seed companies in recent years. The institute has also developed 24 biofortified varieties contributing to national nutritional security. More than 40,000 quintals of seed have been produced over the past five years, ensuring seed availability and generating local employment. The institute is promoting quality seed production through Farmer Producer Organizations, Self-Help Groups, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Currently, ICAR-IIMR has developed maize-based catchment areas in 78 districts across 15 states, providing new momentum to the rural economy.

A National Stakeholder Consultation Meeting was also organized with the participation of over 1000 maize stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on strategies for enhancing maize productivity and increasing farmers’ income. The state-of-the-art Administrative-cum-Laboratory Building has been constructed at a total cost of ₹37.56 crore. It will house advanced research facilities in genomics, biotechnology, agribusiness promotion, crop diversification, mechanization, and digital agriculture.

Following the event, a live demonstration on Crop Residue Management was held at Noorpur Bet (Ludhiana), showcasing technologies such as Happy Seeder, Smart Seeder, Super Seeder, and Super-SMS. A visit to a Bee Enterprise and Business Model at Doraha (Ludhiana) was also organized. Additionally, a Farmers’ Choupal facilitated direct interaction among farmers, scientists, and manufacturers for practical, field-level insights.

Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR highlighted the initiatives being undertaken under the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” of ICAR to strengthen stakeholder engagement and accelerate agricultural transformation at the grassroots level.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana)