Musunuru, Andhra Pradesh, August 24, 2026: In a historic moment for India’s popcorn industry, the Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today launched Krisna459 and Godari234, India’s first high-expansion non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid seeds, bred to match the popping quality of the world’s finest corn.
The launch ceremony took place at Gourmet Popcornica’s factory in Musunuru, in the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The event concluded with the felicitation of top-performing farmers and partners from eight states across India.
A Step Toward Atmanirbhar Bharat
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India: “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, and every such acre is a saving redirected into the pockets of our own farmers, and the economic development of our great country.”
For years, India’s premium popcorn depended heavily on imported seed and grain from the USA, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. With Krisna459 and Godari234, farmers now gain ownership of genetics bred, tested, and owned in India.
Homegrown Innovation
- Bred and trial-tested across five growing seasons in partnership with India’s leading maize research institutions.
- Match the kernel size and popping expansion of leading imported benchmarks.
- Offer pest tolerance, short duration, and higher yields suited to Indian conditions.
- Provide farmers with processor-grade quality and assured offtake contracts.
Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: “This hybrid is precisely the kind of agri-tech innovation our Swarnandhra 2047 vision calls for. Technology that empowers farmers, not replaces them. When our farmers succeed, Andhra Pradesh succeeds, and when Andhra Pradesh succeeds, India moves closer to a Viksit Bharat.”
Shri S.B.P. Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica: “This is not the story of a company – it is the story of over 17,500 farmers across eight states who believed a better harvest was possible. Krisna459 and Godari234 are our tribute to their faith. This is the day India’s own soil, science, and farmers gave birth to our first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed.”
Mr. Norm Krug, Founder & CEO, Preferred Popcorn, USA: “I’ve spent my life growing popcorn in Nebraska, and what Gourmet Popcornica has built here matches anything we grow back home. India now has the genetics, the farmers, and the scale to become one of the great popcorn-growing nations of the world.”
Farmer Impact
- 17,500 farmers across eight states cultivating nearly 40,000 acres with Gourmet Popcornica.
- Average yields: 4.5 tonnes of wet cob per acre.
- Popping quality meets processor-grade specifications.
- Direct improvement in income for small and marginal farming families.
Economic Significance
- India’s popcorn maize market has grown from 50,000 tonnes (2014–15) to 1.3 lakh tonnes (2025–26).
- Domestic production now meets 70% of national demand.
- Saved ₹810 crore in foreign exchange in 2025–26 alone.
- On track to end popcorn imports by 2030, keeping value within Indian farms and villages.
Consumer Experience
For millions of Indians enjoying popcorn at cinemas, at home, or on the go, the experience remains unchanged—big, fluffy, satisfying popcorn. What changes is its origin: grown on Indian farms, from Indian hybrids, with a supply chain less exposed to global shipping costs, tariffs, or disruptions.
About Gourmet Popcornica
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chennai, Gourmet Popcornica Private Limited is Asia’s largest producer of popcorn maize and the fifth largest globally.
- Cultivates 40,000+ acres with 17,500 farmers across eight states.
- Holds 48% market share in bulk popcorn supply and 69% share in premix packs for cinema exhibition.
- Products reach 3,400+ cinema screens nationwide and are distributed across 90% of India.
- Operates a fully integrated farm-to-consumer value chain: hybrid seed development, farmer partnerships, kernel processing, cold storage, cinema supply, and branded retail.
- Committed to sustainability, farmer prosperity, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
🌐 Website: gourmetpopcornica.in
Submitted by PR Agency
