From import dependence to export ambition, a science-powered alliance is reshaping India’s popcorn maize landscape and strengthening farmer prosperity

In a compelling example of research meeting enterprise, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research through its Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR–IIMR) has joined hands with Gourmet Popcornica Private Limited to cultivate more than just maize — they are nurturing an aatmanirbhar ecosystem rooted in innovation, resilience and rural prosperity.

What was once a market almost entirely dependent on imports has steadily transformed into a story of domestic capability. Over the past decade, India’s popcorn maize consumption has surged from 50,000 tonnes to over 130,000 tonnes, with nearly 65 percent now produced at home — conserving precious foreign exchange while opening new avenues of income for farmers.

At the heart of this transformation lies a science-led partnership forged in 2021, when ICAR–IIMR’s advanced breeding programmes converged with Gourmet Popcornica’s field-level expertise. Together, they have developed high-yielding, high-expansion popcorn hybrids distinguished by superior popping ratios, robust disease resistance and consistent kernel quality — traits that define global competitiveness.

Recognition of this synergy came on ICAR–IIMR’s Founder’s Day on 9 February 2026, when Gourmet Popcornica was honoured for its role in expanding India’s popcorn maize footprint. The award symbolised not merely corporate achievement, but a broader shift toward value-added agriculture driven by institutional excellence and private-sector dynamism.

Today, the collaboration spans more than 36,000 acres across nine states, engaging over 17,500 farmers through structured contract farming, mechanisation and capacity-building programmes. Scientific agronomy, end-to-end value chain integration and sustainable sourcing practices have collectively enhanced yields, efficiency and farmer confidence.

What began as an effort to perfect the art of popcorn cultivation has evolved into a strategic opportunity. With research precision and operational scale working in tandem, India now stands poised not only to satisfy domestic demand but to emerge as a credible exporter of premium popcorn maize to key Asian markets.

In this unfolding chapter of agricultural reinvention, popcorn maize has become more than a snack commodity — it is a testament to how collaboration, science and vision can transform rural landscapes and reposition India within global agri-value chains.