Exploring the market viability of hybrid maize seeds in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu

Maize is the third most important grain crop in India, following rice and wheat. It accounts for around 10% of total food grain production in the country. Maize consumption is mainly for animal feed, the food sector and industry. The main aim of the study was to assess the market potential for maize hybrid seeds in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu state. Two blocks and 3 villages from each block with 15 farmers in each village selected by random sampling method comprised the study sample of 180 farmers. The data was collected of the year 2022-23 and 2023-24. Results of the study revealed that the overall market potential for hybrid maize seeds was predicted to reach 1770 tonnes in 2023-2024 and 1903 tonnes in 2024-2025 which shows maize cultivation is going to increase in the future in these regions. The major sources of information about maize hybrid seeds to farmers are friends and relatives. The brand most preferred by farmers was NK7720 and they faced high seed prices as a major constraint. More promotional activities and schemes targeting maize production would improve the area and production in the study area leading to an increase in farmers. Friends and relatives were identified as the primary sources of information regarding maize hybrid seeds for farmers.