New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- Summary India's maize cultivation has surged by 9 lakh hectares in the 2025-26 kharif season, driven by the ethanol push.

The government's E20 ethanol-blending program has increased maize demand, making it a key feedstock.

However, this shift raises concerns about food security and the impact on other crops like oilseeds and pulses, crucial for nutritional security.

The area under maize cultivation in India has seen a sharp increase of around 9 lakh hectares (lha) in the ongoing kharif season, driven by the push for ethanol.

Maize has been sown across 91.89 lha so far in the 2025-26 kharif season, according to data from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This is up from 83.15 lha in the same peri...