Vice-President launches India’s first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed

Why in News?
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seeds—Krisna459 and Godari234—at Musunuru in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points:

• The hybrids were developed by Indian scientists to match the popping quality of premium popcorn varieties globally.
• Krisna459 and Godari234 are specifically adapted to India’s tropical climate and soil conditions.
• They possess three key characteristics:
  • Non-GMO – developed without genetic modification.
  • Hybrid – produced by crossing selected parent lines for desirable traits.
  • High-expansion – capable of producing greater popcorn volume after popping.
• The development was supported by Gourmet Popcornica, which established hybrid R&D farm test beds in Eluru.
• The initiative could reduce dependence on imported popcorn varieties and promote indigenous agricultural innovation and value addition.

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