Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the Agricola Medal, the highest award of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during a ceremony in Rome on May 20, 2026. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to agriculture and food security, both in India and globally.
Recognition of Agricultural Reforms
The FAO Director-General presented the medal to PM Modi, highlighting India's significant progress under his leadership in areas such as sustainable agriculture, digital farming, and food distribution systems. The Prime Minister's initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and soil health cards, were praised for enhancing farmers' incomes and resilience.
Global Impact
In his acceptance speech, PM Modi dedicated the award to Indian farmers and reaffirmed India's commitment to global food security. He emphasized the need for international collaboration to address challenges like climate change and malnutrition. The award also underscores India's growing role in shaping global agricultural policies.
The Agricola Medal, established in 1977, is FAO's highest recognition for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to food and agriculture. Previous recipients include world leaders and agricultural scientists.
