VP Launches India’s First Non-GMO Popcorn Hybrid
C. P. Radhakrishnan highlights indigenous technology, farmer partnerships and self-reliance in agriculture
- India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed was launched in Musunuru.
- More than 17,500 farmers across eight states are part of the initiative.
- Farmers collectively cultivate nearly 40,000 acres under the Gourmet Popcornica partnership.
- The Vice-President stressed technology, innovation and indigenous seed development for agricultural growth.
GG News Bureau
Musunuru, 24th Aug: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday launched India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh, describing the development as a significant step towards self-reliance in agriculture.
The hybrid has been developed by Gourmet Popcornica and is aimed at reducing dependence on imported hybrid technology for high-quality popcorn maize. The Vice-President said the indigenous development could help conserve foreign exchange while creating opportunities for Indian farmers and enterprises to compete in global markets.
Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan said farmers remain the backbone of the country and emphasised the importance of technology, innovation and indigenous seed development in strengthening Indian agriculture.
He described the new hybrid as an example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, saying agricultural self-reliance can be strengthened through locally developed technology, improved seeds and stronger farmer-enterprise partnerships.
The Vice-President highlighted the role of farmers in India’s development and said a developed India would be built “from the ground” through the combined efforts of farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs.
17,500 farmers linked to initiative
According to the government, more than 17,500 farmers across eight states, cultivating nearly 40,000 acres, are associated with the Gourmet Popcornica initiative.
Radhakrishnan appreciated the journey of S.B.P. Pattabhi Rama Rao and Gourmet Popcornica from a homegrown Andhra Pradesh enterprise into a major popcorn maize processing business. He said the initiative was strengthening market access and creating income opportunities for thousands of farming families.
He also highlighted several Union government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, National Food Security and Nutrition Mission and Namo Drone Didi.
The Vice-President also praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for initiatives in agriculture and rural development, including Rythu Bazaars, horticulture promotion and natural farming.
Factory and cold storage facility visited
During his visit, the Vice-President toured the Gourmet Popcornica factory and cold storage facility. He was briefed on maize processing, quality control, packaging and storage operations.
The launch was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, state ministers Nara Lokesh, Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and Kolusu Parthasarathy, besides other officials, farmers and representatives of Gourmet Popcornica.
Radhakrishnan said the Musunuru initiative demonstrated how innovation, entrepreneurship and farmer partnerships could contribute to a more self-reliant and globally competitive agricultural sector.
