India is aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in popcorn production by 2030, with plans to eliminate imports and generate foreign exchange savings of up to ₹810 crore, according to officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The initiative focuses on boosting domestic cultivation of maize varieties suitable for popcorn, alongside improving seed quality, yield, and processing capabilities. Experts, including Himanshu Pathak Jat, emphasized that India has significant untapped potential to meet its own demand through targeted research and better farm practices.
Currently, a portion of India’s popcorn demand is met through imports due to limited availability of high-quality popping maize varieties. ICAR is working on developing hybrid seeds with improved popping characteristics, higher expansion volume, and better resistance to pests and climate variability.
The plan also includes expanding cultivation in suitable agro-climatic zones, promoting farmer awareness, and strengthening linkages between growers and processors. Officials noted that enhancing post-harvest infrastructure and processing units will be key to ensuring quality and consistency in domestic supply.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting the growing demand for ready-to-eat and snack food segments in India. Achieving self-sufficiency is expected not only to reduce import dependence but also to create new income opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The government, through ICAR and allied institutions, is expected to roll out supportive measures including research funding, extension services, and potential incentives to encourage adoption of popcorn maize cultivation.
With rising domestic consumption and a clear policy push, India’s popcorn sector is poised for expansion, aligning with broader goals of agricultural diversification and import substitution.