Andhra Pradesh launches India’s first non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seeds

India has launched its first indigenous, non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seeds, Krisna459 and Godari234. The launch took place at the Gourmet Popcornica factory in Musunuru, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer.

Developed by Gourmet Popcornica, these seeds are designed to match the popping quality of global varieties while reducing India’s dependence on imported hybrid technology. The initiative aims to strengthen the domestic seed ecosystem and conserve foreign exchange. Currently, Gourmet Popcornica works with approximately 17,500 farmers across eight states, covering nearly 40,000 acres, and holds a 70 percent share of India’s popcorn production.

Chief Minister Naidu emphasized a shift toward agricultural food processing and value addition to transform farmers into entrepreneurs. He announced plans to establish retail counters at railway stations for indigenous products like ‘Andhra Popcorn’ and Araku Coffee. Additionally, the state is pursuing a ₹1 lakh crore plan to develop the Rayalaseema region into a horticulture hub and is advocating for nationwide river interlinking to ensure irrigation security.