Farmers Earn Higher Returns Through Contract Farming; Popcorn Maize Procurement Crosses Rs 5 Crore
605 Farmers Cultivate Popcorn Maize on 1,763 Acres, Boosting Income and Promoting Crop Diversification
Published on: June 05, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Shift from Paddy to Maize Yielding Better Returns
Farmers in the district who have adopted maize cultivation in place of summer paddy under the crop rotation programme are earning substantial economic benefits. Farmers engaged in contract farming with Gourmed Popcorn Company have achieved new milestones in production and income generation.
The company has procured popcorn maize worth more than Rs 5 crore from farmers in the district, leading to a significant increase in their earnings.
Contract Farming Expands Across the District
During the Rabi season of 2025-26, Gourmed Popcorn Company entered into agreements with 605 farmers for popcorn maize cultivation across a total area of 1,763 acres in the district.
Farmers recorded an average yield of 19.33 quintals per acre. The company purchased maize at the rate of Rs 1,700 per quintal and procured produce worth more than Rs 5 crore.
Of the total procurement value, Rs 3.73 crore has already been paid to farmers, while the remaining payments are being processed.
Farmers Set New Benchmarks in Production and Income
Shri Lalit Kumar Sahu of Bharitola village in Chhuria block earned distinction as the farmer cultivating popcorn maize on the largest area in the district. He cultivated the crop on 23.56 acres and earned more than Rs 6.95 lakh from maize farming.
Similarly, Shri Ved Prakash Chandrakar of Rajnandgaon block cultivated popcorn maize on 9.5 acres and achieved an impressive yield of 32.66 quintals per acre. He earned more than Rs 5.27 lakh through the crop.
Another farmer, Shri Devaram Patel of Jamleshwar village, recorded an outstanding production of 35.5 quintals per acre and earned nearly Rs 4.67 lakh. His achievement is emerging as a source of inspiration for other farmers in the district.
Crop Diversification and Resource Conservation
According to the Agriculture Department, the adoption of alternative crops such as maize in place of paddy not only provides higher profitability to farmers but also promotes water conservation, improves soil fertility and encourages crop diversification.
Officials noted that the success achieved by farmers in the district is motivating many others to adopt crop rotation practices and explore sustainable agricultural alternatives.
Growing Interest Among Farmers
The positive results of popcorn maize cultivation under contract farming have demonstrated the benefits of assured markets and better price realization. Agricultural experts believe that such initiatives can play a crucial role in enhancing farm incomes while supporting long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
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