As I reflect on my three decades in the food industry, I am witnessing an unprecedented transformation in India’s agricultural landscape. Today, I write not just as the Managing Director of Gourmet Popcornica, but as someone who hails from a farming community deeply invested in India’s journey toward self-reliance – Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The corn agri-business sector presents our nation with a golden opportunity to emerge as a global powerhouse.

When Prime Minister Modi launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, several sectors scrambled to understand their role. For us in the maize agri-business, the path was crystal clear. India produced approximately 46.4 million tonnes of corn in FY26 (www.upag.gov.in) – of various varieties – annually, ranking fifth globally. Of this, popcorn maize is about 130,000 tonnes. Yet, we have barely scratched the surface of our potential. This is our moment to transform from being mere producers to becoming value creators on the world stage.

As the largest producer of popcorn maize, we've seen how Indian corn can compete globally when processed with innovation and quality. It is the result of understanding that Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not about isolation, but about building capabilities that make us globally competitive. The corn value chain offers immense possibilities beyond traditional food applications.

Aligning with sustainability

From bioethanol production supporting our renewable energy goals to biodegradable packaging materials addressing environmental concerns, corn-based industries align perfectly with India’s sustainable development objectives. We are looking at a sector that can simultaneously boost farmer incomes, create rural employment, reduce import dependency, and contribute to environmental protection.

However, realising this potential requires strategic interventions. First, we must invest in research and development of high-yielding, climate-resistant corn varieties suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. Our farmers deserve access to the best seeds, and our food processors need consistent, quality raw materials. The government’s recent allocation of ₹1,400 crore for agricultural research is a step in the right direction.

Second, we need robust infrastructure development. Cold storage facilities, modern processing units, and efficient logistics networks are essential for reducing post-harvest losses, currently estimated at 15-20 per cent for corn. Every grain lost is not just economic waste – it is a missed opportunity to strengthen our self-reliance.

Third, skilling and technology adoption must go hand in hand. Offering farmers high-quality input in the form of seed and plant nutrition, training in best practices and introducing them to precision agriculture techniques can increase yields by 25-30 per cent and yield higher incomes. It has also encouraged younger generations to choose farming as a career choice. When farmers prosper, the entire value chain strengthens.

Extending beyond exports

The global corn market was valued at approximately $310–320 billion in FY26, with processed corn products commanding premium prices. Countries like the US and Brazil have built their agricultural economies around corn exports. India, with our vast arable land, diverse climate zones, and growing technological capabilities, can capture a significant share of this market.

But our vision must extend beyond exports. As India’s middle class expands and dietary preferences evolve, domestic consumption of corn-based products – from breakfast cereals to snacks like popcorn – is growing at 8-10 per cent, annually. This domestic demand provides a solid foundation for industry growth while we build export capabilities.

The success of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in corn agri-business will be measured not just in production volumes or export revenues, but in the transformation of rural livelihoods. When a farmer in Maharashtra can sell premium corn to a processor in Karnataka, who then exports value-added products to global markets, we create an ecosystem of shared prosperity.

Today, I am more optimistic than ever about India’s corn agri-business potential. With continued government support, private sector innovation, and farmer participation, we can make India a global hub for corn-based industries. The seeds of self-reliance we plant today will yield a harvest of prosperity for generations to come.

The journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat requires vision, commitment, and collective action. In corn agri-business, we have all three.

The author is Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica Pvt. Ltd.

Published on April 26, 2026