Sluggish Demand Keeps Maize Market Range-Bound Across Mandis
The maize market across major producing regions of the country is currently showing a mixed but overall sluggish trend. Fresh price signals from mandis in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat indicate that the market is stuck within a narrow range and continues to fluctuate in the absence of a clear direction. In Maharashtra, prices remained stable with Gokak at ₹1,960, Miraj (Sahyadri Starch) at ₹1,900, and Sangli at ₹2,075 per quintal. In Rajasthan, Jodhpur prices held steady at ₹1,990 per quintal, suggesting that processing and industrial demand is providing some support to prices, though it lacks the strength to drive a bullish trend. The situation in Madhya Pradesh appeared relatively weaker. In Ganjbasoda, prices ranged between ₹1,320 and ₹1,716 per quintal, with a marginal gain of ₹61, indicating short covering and limited buying interest. However, in mandis such as Sehore and Dhamnod, prices remained under pressure despite a wide trading range. Continuous arrivals and sufficient stock levels kept buyers from making aggressive purchases. In Gujarat, Gondal mandi recorded a decline of ₹50, with prices ranging between ₹1,905 and ₹2,005 per quintal. Meanwhile, in Dahod, bilty rates touched ₹2,150 per quintal, reflecting quality- and delivery-specific demand. Some improvement was observed at select industrial and poultry-linked centers, but it was not strong enough to change the overall market sentiment. Looking at Khargone and the East Nimar region, maize prices remained stable in the range of ₹1,510 to ₹1,700 per quintal. Arrivals increased again today, with approximately 200–250 vehicles reported. Higher arrivals have ensured ample supply in the market, while demand continues to remain relatively weak. At present, the biggest challenges for the maize market are weak export activity and sluggish domestic demand. Key consuming sectors such as ethanol, starch, and poultry feed are purchasing strictly on a need-based basis. Until sustained and stronger demand emerges from these sectors, a sharp price recovery appears unlikely.