The 1st International Maize Conference (IMC) 2026 commenced in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The theme for the conference is “Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World” (M4FS).
It introduced the 5F framework by adding Farmers to the existing Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel (4F) framework.
It aimed to increase India’s maize production from 55 million tonnes to 75 million tonnes by 2036 through improved hybrids and scientific crop management.
It promoted climate-resilient and biofortified hybrids, strategic crop zoning across Kharif, Rabi and Spring seasons, and expansion of public hybrid seed availability.
India ranked fourth globally in maize cultivation area and contributed approximately 3.3%–4% of global maize production.