Maize hybrids can boost income of farmers: Guv S Abdul Nazeer

Musunuru: Governor S Abdul Nazeer on Monday participated in the launching of India’s first high-quality non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seed developed by Gourmet Popcornica at Musunuru in Eluru district and felicitated outstanding farmers from eight States for their performance in maize cultivation.

Addressing the gathering in the presence of Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh and other dignitaries, the Governor said the development of high-quality, climate-suitable popcorn hybrids would provide new opportunities and better incomes for Indian farmers.

He noted that maize was India’s third most important food crop after rice and wheat, cultivated over nearly 16.9 million hectares, with annual production exceeding 43 million tonnes.

The Governor appreciated Gourmet Popcornica for developing tropical popcorn hybrids suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Unlike conventional varieties originally developed for temperate regions, the new hybrids have been adapted to Indian soil and climatic conditions and are designed to offer better kernel expansion, disease resistance and consistent yields.

He said the company’s contribution to strengthening domestic popcorn production had been recognised by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research with an Award of Appreciation.

According to the Governor, Gourmet Popcornica is currently working with around 17,500 farmers across eight States, supporting maize cultivation on more than 39,500 acres. Its products are being supplied to over 3,400 cinema halls across the country.

He particularly appreciated the company’s initiative to promote popcorn cultivation among tribal farmers in Srikakulam district.

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The Hans India