Hyderabad to Host First International Maize Conference 2026

Hyderabad is set to host the first International Maize Conference 2026 (IMC-2026) from November 2 to 4 at the JD Convention Centre in Shamshabad. Organised under the theme “Maize for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in a Changing World”, the three-day event will bring together more than 500 scientists, policymakers, academicians, industry representatives, agricultural entrepreneurs and farmer organisations from India and abroad. The announcement was made at a curtain-raiser event held at ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad. Speaking on the occasion, Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, highlighted the growing importance of maize in food and nutritional security, animal feed, industrial applications, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. He stressed the need to strengthen research, encourage technological innovation and expand partnerships among national and international institutions.

The conference is being jointly organised by the Maize Technologists Association of India, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, ICAR, the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, and ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research. Dr M.L. Jat said India’s maize production had increased from less than two million tonnes in 1950–51 to more than 55 million tonnes in 2025–26. Discussions will cover climate-resilient varieties, advanced seed technologies, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, farm mechanisation, smart farming, sustainable cultivation and value-added products. The programme will include plenary lectures, technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations and industry interactions, alongside exhibitions showcasing modern farm machinery, new seed varieties, digital farming solutions and bioenergy opportunities. World Food Prize laureate Dr S.K. Vasal will be among the prominent participants.