Lokesh backs new opportunities for farmers through popcorn maize cultivation and processing
Eluru (AP): TDP National Working President Nara Lokesh on Monday welcomed Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Eluru ahead of his visit to Musunuru for the launch of India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed.
Mr. Lokesh presented the Vice-President with an Etikoppaka wooden toy depicting Lord Sri Rama and the Ram Mandir, along with a traditional Mangalagiri shawl. The GI-tagged Etikoppaka handicraft represents Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and features intricate lacquer work and natural dyes.
Mr. Lokesh said he looked forward to joining the Vice-President and the Governor at Musunuru for the launch. He described the programme as an important step towards agricultural innovation and greater value creation for farmers.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will also participate in the programme at Katrenipadu in Musunuru mandal, where the authorities will unveil the hybrid seed.
Mr. Lokesh has consistently promoted innovation and value addition to create new opportunities for farmers. His participation in the Musunuru programme highlights the State’s efforts to promote specialised crops and connect agricultural production with processing and markets.
Gourmet Popcornica has organised the initiative. The company works with farmers who cultivate popcorn maize and operates a popcorn processing facility at Musunuru. The programme brings together seed development, specialised cultivation and food processing around popcorn maize.
The new hybrid targets popcorn production and combines non-GMO characteristics with high expansion. Farmers develop hybrid varieties by crossing selected parent plants to bring together desirable traits, while the non-GMO designation confirms that the crop does not involve genetic modification through genetic engineering.
The high-expansion characteristic allows the kernels to expand significantly when heated, making the hybrid suitable for popcorn production.
The initiative can also help farmers diversify their crops and access a specialised market connected to food processing. Such farm-to-processing models can help Andhra Pradesh generate greater value from agricultural produce and reduce dependence on conventional commodity markets.
During his visit, the Vice-President will also felicitate farmers and address agricultural stakeholders and other participants.
