Target to Stop Popcorn Maize Imports by 2030

26-Mar-2026 02:25 PM

New Delhi: India is rapidly moving towards self-sufficiency in popcorn maize production and may become fully self-reliant by 2030. A decade ago, India was almost entirely dependent on imports for popcorn maize, but rising domestic production is now gradually reducing the need for imports.

According to the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Indian popcorn maize market has expanded from about 50,000 tonnes in 2014–15 to around 130,000 tonnes in 2025–26. By 2030, the market size is expected to grow further to about 180,000 tonnes. This growth could help reduce imports and save nearly ₹810 crore in foreign exchange. A decade ago, domestic production was negligible, and the Indian market was dominated by imported supplies.

Currently, domestic production of popcorn maize is meeting around 70% of the country’s demand. Within the next four to five years, it is expected to meet 100% of domestic requirements, significantly reducing dependence on imports.