The trade in maize is mainly dependent on the demand from the poultry industry which is situated in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Volatile prices of maize at harvesting season leave farmers in dilemma regarding the selling decisions that they have to take during the ensuing kharif season. In order to guide the farmers to take right decisions regarding selling of the crops, the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell, Department of Agribusiness Management, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad has taken up a study to analyze the behaviour of prices of maize in selected markets of North Karnataka.

For this study, the monthly modal price data pertaining to the last 25 years from one of the leading markets in Karnataka for maize crop, Ranebennur regulated market, were collected and analyzed using rigorous time series analytical techniques and prices that would prevail at the harvesting (October- December) of the crop in the market were forecast.  These forecast prices were fine tuned by obtaining valuable opinions of well experienced traders, scientists and progressive farmers.

On the basis of study conducted in analyzing the 25 years monthly price data from Ranebennur regulated market, and opinions and suggestions obtained from agricultural scientists, maize traders, progressive farmers and also the futures price data obtained from National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange of India (NCDEX), the prices of maize are expected to hover around Rs. 1400-1600/quintal in the month of October, Rs. 1500-1700 during November and Rs. 1550-1750 in the month of December. This forecast prevails for current market sentiments and is liable to vary with changes in market situations. Very well matured, bold, dried, uniform coloured and cleaned seeds are to fetch higher prices.  So, the farmers are advised to keep these points in mind while preparing their produce for the market.