Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the decision by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to award the Agricola Medal for 2026 to India as a tribute to the country's unwavering commitment to human welfare and global food security.
Recognition of India's Efforts
In a statement, Modi expressed gratitude to the FAO for bestowing the prestigious honour, which he said reflects the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians in ensuring food for all. The Agricola Medal is the highest recognition awarded by the FAO to individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food security.
India's Role in Global Food Security
The Prime Minister highlighted India's initiatives such as the International Year of Millets (2023) and the country's leadership in promoting sustainable agriculture. He noted that India has not only achieved self-sufficiency in food production but has also extended a helping hand to other nations during crises.
- India's food grain production has consistently exceeded 300 million tonnes in recent years.
- The country has provided food aid to several countries facing shortages.
- India's digital agriculture initiatives have been praised globally.
A Tribute to Farmers and Citizens
Modi dedicated the award to the farmers of India, whose hard work and resilience have made the nation a food surplus country. He also acknowledged the role of citizens in adopting sustainable practices and supporting government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which provides free food grains to over 800 million people.
Strengthening Global Cooperation
The Prime Minister emphasized that the award underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing food security challenges. He reaffirmed India's commitment to working with the FAO and other global bodies to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.
The Agricola Medal for 2026 will be conferred during a ceremony at the FAO headquarters in Rome. India's selection for the medal comes as a recognition of its leadership in the field of agriculture and its humanitarian approach to global challenges.
