Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Livestock Feed Makers Face Maize Competition From Ethanol Producers
Livestock feed companies in India use a lot of maize to feed animals and poultry.
They are worried that ethanol producers will also buy more maize.
Feed makers say they cannot easily replace maize, while ethanol can also be made from grains such as rice.
They want the government to secure enough maize for animal feed first.
Maize farming area has fallen compared with last year.
Weak and late rains linked to El Niño may also reduce crop yields.
A satellite survey suggests the country could face an 11-12% maize shortage.
Higher maize prices make poultry farming more expensive because feed is a large part of production costs.
This could eventually affect the prices of eggs and chicken meat.
Feed makers are asking India’s government to protect maize supplies for livestock feed before allocating surplus to ethanol production.
Maize acreage reached 91.59 lakh hectares by September 11, down 2.64% from the previous year.
The feed industry’s satellite survey indicates a possible maize deficit of 11-12%, including lower acreage and yields.
CLFMA estimates maize production could fall to 38-39 million tonnes from about 45 million tonnes last year.
Maize prices are around Rs 2,700-2,800 per quintal, raising poultry production costs and potentially affecting egg and chicken prices.
- Who
- Indian livestock feed makers, represented by the CLFMA of India and its chairman Divya Kumar Gulati, along with ethanol producers.
- What
- Feed makers are seeking government protection for maize supplies as ethanol producers increase competition for the grain.
- When
- The report was published on September 15, 2026; sowing data cited was current to September 11.
- Where
- India, with notable maize acreage declines reported in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Maize acreage and expected yields are under pressure, while ethanol demand is adding competition for a key livestock-feed ingredient.
Livestock Feed Priority
Ethanol Feedstock Demand
Access to maize
Livestock Feed Priority
Feed makers say the government should secure maize supplies for livestock feed first because maize is their primary and effectively irreplaceable feedstock.
Ethanol Feedstock Demand
Ethanol producers are increasing competition for maize, while ethanol can also be produced from other grains such as rice.
Government allocation
Livestock Feed Priority
The CLFMA wants ethanol to receive maize only after the feed sector’s requirements have been protected.
Ethanol Feedstock Demand
The articles do not provide a direct statement from ethanol producers about allocation priorities or their response.
- Maize acreage
- 91.59 lakh hectares as of September 11, down 2.64% from 94.08 lakh hectares a year earlier.
- Reported acreage declines
- Karnataka fell 21% to 13.38 lakh hectares; Maharashtra fell 11% to 12.98 lakh hectares; Madhya Pradesh fell 2% to 26.4 lakh hectares.
- Potential deficit
- The feed industry’s satellite survey indicated a possible overall maize deficit of 11-12%.
- Production outlook
- CLFMA chairman Divya Kumar Gulati said production could return to 38-39 million tonnes, compared with about 45 million tonnes last year.
- USDA estimate
- The United States Department of Agriculture’s New Delhi office reduced its India corn estimate by 10% to 50 million tonnes from 55 million tonnes.
- Maize price
- Prices were reported at approximately Rs 2,700-2,800 per quintal ahead of new-crop arrivals.
- Poultry feed dependence
- Maize represents about 50-60% of poultry-feed formulations, while feed accounts for roughly 60-70% of poultry production costs.