NCDEX maize futures up on concern over crop damage.

Futures contracts of maize on the NCDEX were trading higher due to concerns that rains in Bihar might damage the crop. The recent rainfall in the state is likely to damage the harvested crop lying in farms. In its third advanced estimate released last week, the government pegged India rabi maize output in 2016-17 (Jul-Jun) at 6.97 million tonne, slightly higher than 6.89 million tonne estimated earlier. Total production of maize in 2016-17 is pegged at 26.14 million tonne, slightly lower than 26.15 million tonne estimated earlier. Most active June contract of maize was trading up 0.8% from the previous close.