Maize is being given importance, both by farmers and seed companies with overt support of some state governments. An interesting plug is that it is the crop of the future.
A lot of farmers are turning to it entranced by the higher productivity of hybrid varieties. While it may be good for individual farmers, the question is whether it is good for our food security. The reason Food Security comes into play is because Maize is a commercial crop that is not used all that much as a food crop. Now with the shrinking acreage of millets and other staple foods of small farmers on account of the generous subsidies given to maize this issue is definitely one that has to be debated.
Lurking behind this issue is the issue of GM Maize being introduced in India once farmers are sufficiently enamoured of Maize. Here is a detailed report on these issues. And another one on the maize issue in Mexico.
A lot of farmers are turning to it entranced by the higher productivity of hybrid varieties. While it may be good for individual farmers, the question is whether it is good for our food security. The reason Food Security comes into play is because Maize is a commercial crop that is not used all that much as a food crop. Now with the shrinking acreage of millets and other staple foods of small farmers on account of the generous subsidies given to maize this issue is definitely one that has to be debated.
Lurking behind this issue is the issue of GM Maize being introduced in India once farmers are sufficiently enamoured of Maize. Here is a detailed report on these issues. And another one on the maize issue in Mexico.
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