India increases corn imports amid record domestic prices

Indian importers have stepped up corn purchases from international markets amid a sharp rise in domestic prices and expectations of a smaller harvest. According to analytics firm FarMart, buyers have already contracted 104 thsd tons of corn from Myanmar for shipment in November–December 2026. This volume is almost 1.8 times higher than India’s total corn imports in the previous financial year, which amounted to around 59 thsd tons. Purchases are increasing amid stronger competition for grain among feed, starch and bioethanol producers.

In late October, corn prices reached record levels in some regions of India. On October 29, prices at the Warangal market in Telangana rose to Rs 3,255 per 100 kg, setting a local record. Meanwhile, bids from feed manufacturers in Coimbatore reached Rs 3,400–3,450 per 100 kg. However, domestic market conditions remain uneven, with significantly lower prices in regions where sufficient supplies of newly harvested corn are available.

According to estimates from the industry association CLFMA, India’s corn production in the 2026 kharif season could decline by 16.8% to 23.2 mln tons. The largest losses are expected in Karnataka and Maharashtra, where drought could reduce production by 33% and 24%, respectively. Lower domestic supplies are increasing price pressure on the compound feed industry, where corn remains a key ingredient in poultry and livestock feed.

Amid the grain shortage, Indian companies have begun signing contracts to import corn from Myanmar. Gujarat Ambuja has contracted 60 thsd tons at approximately $303/t for delivery to Kandla port. Another 44 thsd tons were purchased by Shanthi Feeds and SKM at around $307/t for delivery to Tuticorin port. Imported grain is expected to partially meet the needs of processors in regions facing the highest domestic prices. Meanwhile, starch industry representatives are calling on the government to temporarily allow duty-free corn imports.

Additional demand for corn is coming from bioethanol production, which has become a major source of grain consumption in India in recent years. According to FarMart estimates, around 10 mln tons of corn were used for ethanol production in 2024/25. Further growth in demand from the biofuel industry amid lower production could intensify competition for feedstock and keep prices elevated. However, incoming import shipments and increased availability of new-crop corn could partially ease price pressure in the coming months.

Tags: corn, India, imports