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.

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.