Karnataka allows poultry feed producers to procure maize directly from farmers

The Karnataka government has permitted poultry feed manufacturers to directly purchase maize from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates for the 2025-26 kharif season, ensuring better price realisation and reducing dependence on intermediaries. A government order to this effect was issued on Thursday.

The decision follows a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, where industry representatives were urged to procure an estimated five lakh tonnes of maize grown in the 2025–26 kharif season directly from farmers. The Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA) has agreed to begin with an initial procurement of 5,000 tonnes, offering 20% advance payment.

Procurement will be based on MSP quality parameters, with a requirement that moisture content should not exceed 12% for poultry feed suitability. Earlier, Karnataka State Co-operative Marketing Federation (KSCMF) was directed to procure maize and supply it to distilleries. The latest order enables parallel procurement by feed manufacturers in the interest of farmers, the government stated.