Nellore district is witnessing a significant shift in cropping patterns as maize cultivation expands rapidly, driven by the growing demand from newly established bioethanol plants. Farmers, responding to assured procurement and better price stability, are increasingly moving away from traditional crops toward maize. With the Centre’s push for ethanol blending in petrol, several bioethanol units have begun sourcing maize as a key raw material. This has created a steady market for farmers in Nellore, where irrigation facilities and suitable soil conditions support large-scale maize production.
Agriculture officials note that maize offers quicker returns compared to some water-intensive crops, making it an attractive option amid fluctuating rainfall and rising input costs. Many farmers report that contract farming arrangements and local procurement centres linked to ethanol plants have reduced marketing risks. However, experts caution that rapid mono-cropping could pose long-term challenges. Over-dependence on maize may affect soil health and biodiversity if crop rotation is not maintained. Officials are advising farmers to balance maize cultivation with pulses and oilseeds to ensure sustainable farming.
Despite these concerns, the bioethanol-driven demand has clearly altered Nellore’s agricultural landscape. With more processing units expected to come up, maize is likely to remain a dominant crop in the district in the coming years.
