Area under rabi maize crop in India was down 10.3% on year at 1.13 mln ha. A fall in area under rabi maize in key growing states of Bihar and Maharashtra pulled down the overall acreage. Area under maize in Bihar was 411,000 ha as of Wednesday, down 0.5% on year, while in Maharashtra, farmers had sown the grain over 84,300 ha, 38.6% lower on year. Low moisture content in the soil due to patchy distribution of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season (Jun-Sep) this year weighed on sowing. Maharashtra government declared drought in 151 talukas because of scanty rainfall and low ground water level.

Rabi maize area down 10% on year at 1.13 mln ha. Area under rabi maize crop in India was down 10.3% on year at 1.13 mln ha. A fall in area under rabi maize in key growing states of Bihar and Maharashtra pulled down the overall acreage. Area under maize in Bihar was 411,000 ha as of Wednesday, down 0.5% on year, while in Maharashtra, farmers had sown the grain over 84,300 ha, 38.6% lower on year. Low moisture content in the soil due to patchy distribution of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season (Jun-Sep) this year weighed on sowing. Maharashtra government declared drought in 151 talukas because of scanty rainfall and low ground water level.

In key spot markets, prices of wheat fell due to thin trade ahead of the year-end. In Kota, Rajasthan, prices of mill-quality wheat fell to 1,950-2,050 rupees per 100 kg, 25 rupees lower than Saturday. Arrivals were pegged steady from Saturday at 2,000 bags (1 bag = 100 kg). In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, mill-quality wheat was at 1,925 rupees, down 50 rupees from Saturday. In Delhi, the food grain was sold at 2,070-2,090 rupees, unchanged from previous close. Spot prices are seen largely steady going ahead as bulk buyers typically purchase the food grain at government auctions under the open market sales scheme.