The trade in maize is mainly dependent on 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 sowing decisions that they have to take during the ensuing Rabi season. In order to guide the farmers to take right decisions regarding sowing 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 20 years from one of the leading markets in Karnataka for maize crop, Jamkhandi regulated market, was collected and this data was analyzed and prices that would prevail at the harvesting (February-April, 2014) of the crop in the market were forecast.  These forecast prices were fine tuned by obtaining valuable opinions of well experienced traders, scientists, progressive farmers.

On the basis of study conducted in analyzing the 20 years monthly price data from Jamkhandi 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 range between Rs. 1500-1650 per quintal in the upcoming February-April months. The minimum support price announced by the central government for this crop is Rs. 1175 per quintal. 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 taking up cultivation of the crop.