Prices of maize fell marginally across key spot markets due to a sharp rise in arrivals. Arrivals rose as normal trade resumed following days of thin trade on account of Holi.

Firm demand from feed manufacturers and bulk buyers, however, limited a sharp fall in prices. Demand is likely to firm up in the coming days as supply is seen shrinking due to a decline in production this year.

Prices could rise going ahead as arrivals are likely to dry up within weeks. In Nizamabad, maize arrivals were pegged at 1,900-2,100 bags (1 bag = 100 kg), compared with 1,000-1,100 bags on previous day.

In Davangere, arrivals were about 800 bags higher at 1,800 bags.

Maize futures on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, too, edged lower tracking spot cues. The most-active May contract ended 13 rupees lower at 1,770 rupees per 100 kg.