Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Indian Non-GMO Popcorn Hybrid Aims to Raise Farmer Incomes
A new popcorn seed was launched in Musunuru on Monday.
It is the first high-quality non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seed developed in India.
The seed was designed for India’s different soils and climates.
It may help popcorn kernels expand better and resist diseases.
It may also help farmers get more reliable harvests and higher incomes.
Gourmet Popcornica is already working with about 17,500 farmers in eight States.
Its popcorn products are supplied to more than 3,400 cinema halls.
The company is also encouraging tribal farmers in Srikakulam district to grow popcorn.
Governor S Abdul Nazeer launched India’s first high-quality non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru.
The tropical hybrids were developed for Indian soil and climate conditions, with improved kernel expansion, disease resistance and consistent yields.
Gourmet Popcornica is working with about 17,500 farmers across eight States and more than 39,500 acres.
The company supplies popcorn products to over 3,400 cinema halls across India.
The Governor highlighted popcorn cultivation opportunities for farmers, including tribal farmers in Srikakulam district.
- Who
- Governor S Abdul Nazeer launched the seed in the presence of Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and other dignitaries.
- What
- India’s first high-quality non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seed was launched, and outstanding maize farmers from eight States were felicitated.
- When
- Monday.
- Where
- Musunuru in Eluru district.
- Why
- The hybrids are intended to suit Indian conditions, improve popcorn production and create better income opportunities for farmers.
- Seed launch
- India’s first high-quality non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seed
- Maize cultivation in India
- Nearly 16.9 million hectares, with annual production exceeding 43 million tonnes
- Farmers supported
- About 17,500 farmers across eight States
- Cultivation area supported
- More than 39,500 acres
- Market reach
- Products supplied to over 3,400 cinema halls across India
- Research recognition
- Gourmet Popcornica received an Award of Appreciation from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research
- Special initiative
- Promoting popcorn cultivation among tribal farmers in Srikakulam district