Prices of maize in Davangere, a key market in Karnataka, remained steady at 1,100-1,440 rupees per 100 kg. Around 2,000 bags (1 bag = 100 kg) of new maize crop arrived in Davangere. Demand from bulk buyers is weak at present due to high moisture content in the crop and also because of an anticipation of a fall in prices with gradual increase in daily arrivals.

Traders are expecting moisture content in the new crop to reduce from next month. Acreage under rabi maize in India was 20.4% higher on year at 247,100 ha.

Higher minimum support price for maize has encouraged farmers to increase the acreage under the coarse grain. Weak and patchy distribution of monsoon rains during Jun-Sep also led farmers to grow more of maize, which is a sturdy crop and requires less water.