India Launches First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrids
26 August 2026, Musunuru: India has launched its first high-expansion, non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seeds, marking a significant step towards reducing the country’s dependence on imported popcorn genetics and strengthening domestic production.
Krisna459 and Godari234 were launched by Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan at Gourmet Popcornica’s factory in Musunuru, Andhra Pradesh. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, with farmers and partners from eight states also recognised for their performance.
Developed and trial-tested over five growing seasons in partnership with Indian maize research institutions, the two hybrids are designed to deliver popcorn quality comparable with leading imported varieties, including similar kernel size and popping expansion. They are also intended to offer characteristics suited to Indian farming conditions, including pest tolerance, shorter crop duration and improved yields.
The development comes as India seeks to reduce its historical reliance on imported popcorn seed and grain. Premium popcorn used in cinemas and gourmet retail has traditionally depended heavily on imports from countries including the United States, Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.
Gourmet Popcornica said the new hybrids will allow farmers to move beyond imported genetics and cultivate popcorn varieties bred, tested and owned in India. The company has also developed a contract-farming model offering assured offtake and pricing for growers producing popcorn as a specialised, value-added crop.
“Today, we take a small but firm step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat – not a slogan, but a seed. Every acre cultivated with this indigenous hybrid is an acre that no longer needs an imported alternative,” said Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
17,500 farmers expected to benefit
More than 17,500 farmers across eight states, cultivating nearly 40,000 acres under Gourmet Popcornica’s programme, are expected to benefit from the availability of the indigenous hybrids.
The company said farmers can achieve average yields of around 4.5 tonnes of wet cob per acre, while meeting processor-grade popping specifications. Through contract farming and assured offtake, the hybrids are expected to give growers greater access to the premium popcorn value chain.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said the development aligns with the state’s Swarnandhra 2047 vision and the broader objective of building a technology-driven agricultural economy.
“Technology that does not replace the farmer, but empowers him,” is central to the state’s vision, Naidu said, adding that stronger farm incomes would contribute to the economic development of Andhra Pradesh and India.
Domestic popcorn production rises
India’s popcorn maize market has expanded significantly over the past decade. According to Gourmet Popcornica, the market increased from around 50,000 tonnes in 2014-15 to approximately 1.3 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, with domestic production now meeting nearly 70% of national demand.
The company estimates that the increase in domestic production helped India save around ₹810 crore in foreign exchange during 2025-26. It expects the introduction and wider cultivation of indigenous hybrids such as Krisna459 and Godari234 to support the goal of eliminating popcorn imports by 2030.
Gourmet Popcornica Managing Director S. B. P. Pattabhi Rama Rao described the launch as a milestone for Indian farmers and domestic agricultural research. “Krisna459 and Godari234 are our answer to their faith in us, and our tribute to every farmer who partners with Gourmet Popcornica,” Rama Rao said.
The development has also attracted international industry interest. Norm Krug, Founder and CEO of Preferred Popcorn in the United States, said the hybrids and production system developed in India have the potential to position the country among the world’s significant popcorn-producing nations.
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