In a major policy push to strengthen the feed base for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, the West Bengal government has announced plans to expand maize cultivation by 60,000 hectares over the next three years. The move is aimed at meeting the rising demand for animal feed, particularly for the dairy, poultry, and fisheries sectors, which are experiencing significant growth in the state.
The announcement was made by Arup Roy, Minister for Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, at the Agri, Livestock and Food Processing Growth Meet hosted by ASSOCHAM. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, academic institutions, and civil society in addressing the challenges facing agricultural development.
“Area under maize cultivation will be expanded by 60,000 hectares over the next three years to meet the growing demand for animal feed, poultry feed, and fish feed in the state.”
Maize is a critical raw material in compound feed used across dairy, poultry, and aquaculture segments. The expansion is expected to help stabilize feed input costs, improve self-sufficiency, and reduce dependence on interstate sourcing.
Roy also highlighted that 70% of WesBengal’s agricultural workforce comprises women and called for stronger encouragement of women agricultural entrepreneurs, particularly in allied sectors such as dairy and food processing.
🍍 Horticulture and Processing: Unlocking Value-Adding Potential
Smaraki Mahapatra, Secretary of the Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, noted the state’s strong agricultural base, citing vegetable production at 163 lakh MT and fruit production at 40 lakh MT, far exceeding local consumption.
She emphasized:
- Surplus production can fuel exports to other states and countries
- The government is backing tissue culture initiatives for crops like banana, pineapple, blueberry, and ginger
- West Bengal’s diverse geography—from the Himalayas to the coastline—makes it ideal for agri-processing
- Strong potential exists for value addition, cold chain investments, and the development of Ayurvedic products using traditional medicinal plants.
“There is a lot of scope for investment in value addition between the farm and the market.”
In FY 2024–25, 24,213 units were established in the state’s food processing sector, underscoring the pace of entrepreneurial activity.