Maize Grain: Pakistan’s Third Major Crop and Growing Export Opportunity to China

uncooked risotto bowl top view

Maize has important value in the agriculture of Pakistan, the most important crop after rice and wheat.  Maize grain has some development, opportunities, and polices factors.  Maize is 3rd major food grain after rice and wheat. China is a major buyer or importer, and Pakistan has potential in the market. Both countries have signed a mutual agreement for the growth and development of Pakistan.

In 2025, maize export is increased, and export regulation is added. The maize grain feed industry is growing in China, and its demand is high. Pakistani exporters have fulfilled all requirements of China and other countries as well and now can access the Chinese market in a reliable way. The government has taken initiatives and given training for the growing sector to help farmers and exporters provide the best output, proper storage, and compliance norms. As per study, our country has produced approximately 8-11 mm tons of maize in 2025.

Challenges in Maize Grain Export from Pakistan

  • Regulatory Costs and Compliance Requirements
  • Pest and Phytosanitary Risks
  • Export Interruptions
  • Domestic Price Pressures
  • Infrastructure & Storage

Recent Activities

  • In August 2025, a seminar is arranged on producing maize grain according to China’s standards,
  • A legal contract is signed between Pakistan and China on maize grain.

Health benefits- Protein content in maize grain

The ratio of protein varies, like maize grain has 6-13%, low because it has no access to amino acids-Protein is distributed in the germ and endosperm.

Composition of Maize grain

  • Carbohydrates: 70–87% (primarily starch)
  • Protein: 6–13%
  • Fat: 4%
  • Fiber: 10% (NDF – Neutral Detergent Fiber)

 

Uses of maize grain

It is used for human feed, animal feed, and different industrial items. It can be consumed as a whole grain or converted into meal, flour, and other food items. It is used in the form of corn oil, syrup, flakes, sweet corn, ethanol, and starch, which are very healthy for us. A huge amount of maize grain is used in animal feed, especially for farm animals and poultry, because it has high oil content and starch.

Maize grain structure

Outer layers

  • Pericarp
  • Seed coat (Testa)

Endosperm

  • It is the largest component of grain-based food storage and rich in starch.
  • The outermost layer of the endosperm is the aleurone layer, which is rich in protein and enzymes.

Embryo

Yellow Maize Production and Export by Saremco Agri Commodities

Saremco Agri commodities is exporting yellow maize to different countries, including, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Somalia. The cultivation process starts in Spring and autumn. It is planted in 1st week of Feb-Mar and Dec-Mar. We get 97% from the provinces of Punjab and KPK. We have established offices setup and allow farmers harvesting, our team works to provide proper storage and export. It is also called queen of cereals.