Maize being an American crop, is rather a new competitor. Nevertheless, it is reaching popularity because of its high yields, and smooth flexibility with various soils and climatic conditions. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab are the major producers.

In 1950-51, area under this crop was 3.2 million hectares. It has risen to almost 6.2 million hectares by 1996-97. Production has also leaped from less than 2 million tonnes to 10.6 million tonnes. Consequently, productivity has increased threefold during this period.