Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with Food and Agriculture Organisation’s highest honour – Agricola Medal.
While thanking FAO chief for the medal, PM Modi said: “This honour is just not for me but for 140 crore Indians. It is an honour for the farmers and fishermen of India. I dedicate this medal to the farmers of India."
Pointing out that agriculture is the main stream in India, he said: “We worship our land".
While presenting the medal, Director-General of FAO Dr. QU Dongyu in a ceremony held in the historic FAO Plenary Hall at FAO Headquarters Rome, he said: “The medal is in recognition of his contribution and commitment to the welfare of all people; the introduction of landmark schemes during his tenure to enhance agricultural productivity; bolstering food security, and improving farmer’s welfare; his support to FAO’s fundamental goals of fighting hunger and poverty, and attaining universal food security; the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and his efforts to prioritise agriculture on the international agenda, including during India’s G20 Presidency."
DG lauded the exceptional leadership and vision of the Prime Minister in advancing the country’s efforts to transform India’s agricultural landscape through farmer-centric, innovative, and path-breaking initiatives.
He lauded India’s food and agriculture initiatives rolled out under the leadership of PM Modi for their scale and reach.
The FAO Director-General particularly highlighted India’s financial inclusion initiatives, the world’s largest food based social safety net covering 800 million people since the COVID pandemic, direct income support to more than 110 million farmers, national efforts to advance regenerative and natural farming, and the global efforts to promote nutrient rich millets including through the International Year of Millets in partnership with FAO.
He also appreciated the visionary drive by PM Modi to position digital public infrastructure as a global public good during India’s G-20 Presidency, a transformative step toward enabling access to digital technologies in developing countries for efficient service delivery and empowering communities. These sustained efforts, he noted, have contributed to India lifting millions out of poverty.
