FAO Agricola Medal honours Narendra Modi for food security and sustainable agriculture

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the FAO Agricola Medal by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The award recognised Modi’s work on food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. Modi received the medal from FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu at the agency’s headquarters in Rome. Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday night, ending a five-nation tour.

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Modi said the recognition reflected India’s steady focus on food security and sustainable development. "This is an honour to Indias millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists, and workers.\" Modi also said, \"This is also an honour to Indias unwavering commitment, at the centre of which lies human welfare, food security, and Sustainable Development, he said.\"

FAO Agricola Medal and food security

The FAO Agricola Medal is among the organisation’s highest honours. It is given to individuals who have made major contributions to global food security. The citation also links the medal to better nutrition and agricultural development. FAO highlighted efforts that support sustainable agriculture and stronger rural livelihoods through policy and practice.

Modi described agriculture as a central part of life in India. Modi said farming represented a sacred bond between Mother Earth and the Indian people. Modi also stated that India’s approach showed sustainability could work at large scale. Modi added that inclusion and technology could strengthen each other when used together.

Technology in Indian agriculture and food security

In his address, Modi said, \"technology is becoming the new strength of Indian Agriculture.\" Modi added, \"We believe that the future of farming is not solely about Producing More, but about Producing Better.\" Modi said India was improving bio-diversity and cutting dependence on chemical fertilisers. Modi linked these steps to sustainable development goals.

Modi said, \"For us, Food Security is not merely a Policy Matter; it is our responsibility towards humanity, he said.\" Modi also said science-led methods were shaping a climate-resilient farm system. Modi noted that innovation-based farming was building a future-ready ecosystem. Modi linked these efforts to global needs on nutrition and stability.

Agriculture policy measures for food security

Modi said programmes such as Per Drop More Crop guided policy choices. Modi also referred to a mission-based push for micro-irrigation and precision farming. Modi said these actions aimed to conserve water and raise productivity. Modi presented them as practical tools for resilience. Modi added they supported long-term rural development.

Modi listed several tools supporting farmers in India. Modi said Digital Public Infrastructure, AI-based advisory systems, drones and remote-sensing were in use. Modi also mentioned sensor-based machinery for field-level decisions. Modi said these tools helped farmers achieve richer harvests. Modi added that higher farm incomes were also a key outcome.

Climate-resilient crops and food security

Modi said India had built new crop options for changing climate conditions. Modi stated that around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties were developed in the last 10 years. Modi presented this as part of a wider research effort. Modi linked it to stability in food supplies. Modi said scientific work supported both farmers and consumers.

Modi thanked FAO for partnering with India on the International Year of Millets. Modi said this effort helped promote healthier food choices. Modi also recalled FAO’s long role in supporting India’s agriculture and food security. During a meeting, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for FAO’s vision and mission. Dr Dongyu received Modi warmly at the headquarters.

Modi’s visit to FAO Headquarters was the first by an Indian Head of Government in 30 years. The trip included the medal ceremony in Rome and a meeting with Dr Qu Dongyu. FAO cited achievements connected to food security and agricultural development. Modi linked the honour to farmers, scientists and workers across India and to sustainability goals.

With inputs from PTI