Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the FAO Agricola Medal, the highest honor of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, on Wednesday in recognition of his contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. The ceremony took place at the FAO headquarters in Rome, where Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu presented the award in the historic Plenary Hall. PM Modi, currently on the final leg of his five-nation tour, arrived in Italy on Tuesday night.
Collective Honor for India's Agricultural Community
Describing the recognition as a collective honor, PM Modi stated that it belongs to the millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists, and workers in India. He emphasized that the award acknowledges India's unwavering commitment to human welfare, food security, and sustainable development.
Shift Towards Sustainable Productivity
The Prime Minister highlighted India's broader agricultural approach, stressing the balance between productivity and sustainability. He noted that the country is shifting focus towards "Producing Better" rather than only "Producing More," with an emphasis on biodiversity and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers. PM Modi also underscored the role of innovation, mentioning that modern tools such as AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote sensing, and digital public infrastructure are transforming farming practices and improving incomes. Additionally, he pointed out that India has developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties over the past decade.
Food Security as a Global Responsibility
PM Modi reiterated that food security is not merely a policy objective but a responsibility toward humanity. He added that India's experience demonstrates that scale and sustainability can go together when technology and inclusion are combined. The FAO Agricola Medal is one of the organization's most prestigious honors, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to global food security, nutrition, and agricultural development.
