Vice-President Radhakrishnan launches India’s first indigenous non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid in Andhra Pradesh

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday launched India’s first indigenous, non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Eluru district, describing it as a significant step towards greater self-reliance in agriculture.

Speaking at a programme organised by Gourmet Popcornica, Mr. Radhakrishnan said India’s agricultural progress would increasingly depend on indigenous technology, innovation and home-grown solutions capable of competing in global markets.

“India has long depended on imported hybrid technology for high-quality popcorn maize, and the indigenous hybrid will help reduce this dependence, conserve foreign exchange and strengthen agricultural self-reliance,” he said.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The initiative reflected the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, bringing together farmers and entrepreneurs to develop an Indian product with global market potential. “A small beginning should lead to a big vision and a big dream,” he said, referring to Gourmet Popcornica’s journey from a home-grown enterprise in Andhra Pradesh to a major popcorn maize processing company.

Describing farmers as the backbone of India, Mr. Radhakrishnan said a developed India would be built through the combined efforts of farmers, scientists developing improved seeds and entrepreneurs creating markets and opportunities. He felicitated best-performing farmers from Andhra Pradesh and seven other States, besides partners associated with the company.

More than 17,500 farmers in eight States, cultivating nearly 40,000 acres, are associated with the company, he said, adding that the enterprise has expanded market access and income opportunities for thousands of farming families.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer stressed the need for scientists to develop climate-resilient, drought-tolerant and water-efficient crop varieties to address changing weather patterns and ensure food security and stable farm incomes.

With possible El Niño conditions posing fresh challenges, scientists should develop maize, rice and other varieties better adapted to water stress and climatic variations, he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, among others, attended the programme.