Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has described the development of India’s first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed as a significant step towards self-reliance in agriculture and strengthening the country’s home-grown innovation.
Launching the seed at the Gourmet Popcornica facility in Musunuru, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, today, the Vice President said India had for years depended on imported hybrid seed technology for high-quality popcorn maize. He said the new indigenous seed would help end this dependence and open opportunities for India to export popcorn products to global markets.
Mr. Radhakrishnan said the achievement reflected the entrepreneurial strength of Indian farmers and appreciated Gourmet Popcornica and its leader Pattabhi Rao for building a home-grown enterprise into one of Asia’s largest popcorn maize processors.
He said more than 17,500 farmers in eight states, cultivating nearly 40,000 acres, are now part of the popcorn value chain. He particularly appreciated the fact that these farming families were undertaking cultivation without taking loans for the activity.
Mr. Radhakrishnan appreciated Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s initiatives in agriculture and rural development. He expressed support for efforts to improve irrigation facilities across all districts and for the proposed linking of South Indian rivers.
The Vice President said farmers are the backbone of the nation and stressed that agriculture must become more technology-driven, innovative and profitable. He highlighted the contribution of agriculture to the national economy and appreciated Central Government initiatives such as PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card and Namo Drone Didi.
The Vice President said India, with its population of over 140 crore, cannot depend on imports for food security. He stressed that agriculture will continue to receive top priority and called for wider adoption of modern technology and innovation.
He said every seed sown today should become a seed of a stronger, self-reliant and developed India tomorrow.
The Vice President also felicitated farmers during the programme.
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, State Ministers and officials were present.
