Context
- Recently, India has launched its first indigenous, non-genetically modified (non-GM), high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
About Indigenous Popcorn Maize Hybrid
- The newly launched variety is an indigenously developed hybrid popcorn maize with high expansion capacity, an important quality for commercial popcorn production.
- It is described as non-GM, meaning it has not been developed through genetic modification involving direct alteration of its genetic material using modern genetic engineering techniques.
- It seeks to reduce India’s dependence on imported hybrid technology for high-quality popcorn maize.
Why is Popcorn Maize Different?
- Popcorn is a special type of maize (Zea mays) whose kernels contain a suitable proportion of hard endosperm and moisture.
- When heated, the moisture inside the kernel turns into steam, generating pressure that causes the kernel to explode and form popcorn.
- Expansion volume is an important quality parameter for commercial popcorn.
Agricultural Significance
- Self-reliance: Reducing dependence on imported hybrid technology.
- Indigenous innovation: Promoting Indian agricultural research and locally developed varieties.
- Value addition: Converting maize into higher-value processed food products.
- Farmer income: Creating opportunities for farmers linked to specialised maize markets.
- Export potential: Developing an Indian popcorn value chain with global market potential.
Hybrid Crop vs GM Crop
| Hybrid Crop | GM Crop |
| Produced by crossing two genetically different varieties through conventional breeding. | Produced by directly modifying DNA using genetic engineering. |
| Combines desirable traits already present in the parent plants. | Can introduce, modify or silence specific genes. |
| No direct genetic engineering is involved. | Genetic modification is central to its development. |
| Example: Hybrid maize, hybrid tomato. | Example: Bt cotton. |
| Traits may not remain stable across generations. | Introduced traits can be maintained through propagation. |
About Maize
- Scientific name: Zea mays.
- Maize is an important cereal crop and is used as food, animal feed and industrial raw material.
- It is used in products such as starch, corn oil, ethanol and processed foods.
- Popcorn is a specialised type of maize selected for its popping characteristics.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: VICE PRESIDENT GM CROP |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding popcorn maize:
1. Popcorn is a specialised type of maize selected for its ability to expand when heated.
2. Hybridisation necessarily involves genetic modification of the crop using genetic engineering.
3. A crop variety can be both hybrid and non-GM.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
• Statement 1 – Correct: Popcorn is a specialised maize type whose kernels expand and pop when heated.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Hybridisation involves crossing genetically different parent lines; it does not necessarily involve genetic engineering.
• Statement 3 – Correct: A hybrid can be developed through conventional breeding and therefore can be non-GM.