VP Launches India's First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed

Summary: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India's first indigenously developed non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed in Andhra Pradesh on 24 August 2026, a step toward self-reliance in specialty maize seed technology.

What Happened?

The hybrid seed is aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported popcorn maize varieties by offering a high-expansion, non-genetically-modified alternative developed through domestic agricultural research.

TNPSC Relevance

• Agriculture and Science & Technology intersection: hybrid seed development, GMO vs non-GMO policy in India.
• India's regulatory stance on genetically modified crops.

Key Facts

MCQs

Q1. India's first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed was launched in which state?

• (A) Tamil Nadu
• (B) Andhra Pradesh
• (C) Punjab
• (D) Bihar

Answer: (B)
Explanation: The seed was launched in Andhra Pradesh on 24 August 2026.

Q2. Who launched this hybrid seed?

• (A) Union Agriculture Minister
• (B) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
• (C) President Droupadi Murmu
• (D) ICAR Director-General

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched it on 24 August 2026.

Q3. The new seed is significant because it is:

• (A) A genetically modified variety
• (B) A non-GMO, high-expansion, indigenous variety
• (C) An imported hybrid
• (D) A pesticide-resistant crop only

Answer: (B)
Explanation: It is India's first indigenously developed non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid.