ELURU: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Monday launched India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district, calling it a major step towards self-reliance in agriculture.
He said the indigenous hybrid would help reduce India’s dependence on imported hybrid technology for high-quality popcorn maize and conserve foreign exchange, while offering potential for global markets.
Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of technology, innovation and indigenous seed development in strengthening Indian agriculture. He also felicitated outstanding farmers from Andhra Pradesh and seven other states, along with partners associated with Gourmet Popcornica.
The Vice-President praised farmer-centric initiatives including PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission and Namo Drone Didi. He also appreciated Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s initiatives in agriculture and rural development.
