Indian corn exports have slumped by over 66% to 400,000 tonnes so far in the 2009-10 season ending September, owing to low supply and strong demand in the domestic market, according to trade experts.

"As per the market reports, India has been able to ship only 4,00,000 tonnes of corn between October and March 23 of this season, compared to 12 lakh tonnes in the same period last season," an expert said.

Lower corn production amid higher demand from domestic starch and poultry feed industry weighed on exports, he said.

All India Starch Manufacturers Association president Amol S Sheth said, "Exports are not at all good this year because supplies are meagre to meet the domestic requirement." According to official estimates, corn production is likely to be lower at 173 lakh tonnes in the current season, against 197.3 lakh tonnes last season.

The country's corn exports had stood at 24 lakh tonnes in the 2008-09 season.

Seth also said there are reports of lack of quality corn for export purpose as recent rains in states like Karnataka have damaged the crop. As per trade data, exports are not taking place much even though the export price of Indian corn is lower at US$ 230 per tonne, compared to the US corn at US$236 per tonne.

"Global buyers are not keen to import Indian corn as domestic traders are not able to supply big volume of the quality grain," commodity brokerage firm Karvy Comtrade analyst Veeresh Hiremath said.

India normally exports corn mostly to Southeast Asian nations. At present, spot price of corn is ruling higher by 16% at INR9,300 (US$205) per tonne in most places in the country, compared to same period last year.