Guwahati, July 30 -- The Assam government on Wednesday urged farmers to diversify into maize cultivation, citing rising demand from the ethanol industry and higher income potential, while assuring continued support through Minimum Support Price (MSP) incentives.

The issue came up during the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly after Congress MLA Mohibur Rahman alleged that inadequate procurement facilities were preventing farmers from receiving the MSP announced by the Centre.

Raising the matter in the House, the Mankachar MLA said maize cultivation has been increasing in his constituency, but farmers are forced to sell their produce at around Rs 1,500 per quintal despite the Centre fixing the MSP at Rs 2,410 per quintal las...