The initiative is part of broader national strategies aiming to produce 874,337 tonnes of maize by 2029
Maize accounts for a significant portion of poultry feed, yet Sri Lanka’s local cultivation fulfils less than 50% of national demand
A key pillar of the plan is to address public skepticism by enhancing biosafety awareness among farmers, consumers, and stakeholders.
According to KBNS, the price hike is attributed to intensified competition for maize between human food processors and animal feed manufacturers.
SAMMAZ77 achieved 5–35% higher yields under combined stressors of fall armyworm infestation, Striga parasitism, and severe drought.