New Delhi, July 9 -- India's average maize yield stands at just 3.5 tonnes per hectare-well below the global average of 6 tonnes. Yet, states like West Bengal (7 tonnes), Telangana (5.9 tonnes), Bihar (5.7 tonnes), and Tamil Nadu (5.5 tonnes) are nearing or even surpassing that global benchmark.

According to a FICCI-Yes Bank report based on the agriculture ministry's third advance estimates for the 2024-25 crop year, West Bengal's yield is not only higher than India's average but also ahead of top maize-producing countries such as China (6.5 tonnes), Russia (6.9 tonnes), and Brazil (5.9 tonnes).

But improving maize productivity is no longer just about catching up globally-India faces pressing domestic challenges.

The government plans t...