Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations for his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
Modi received the award from Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, at the UN body's headquarters in Rome.
He said the honour reflects India's commitment to food security, sustainable development, and the hard work of those associated with the agriculture sector.
The FAO Agricola Medal is one of the highest honours awarded by the FAO to distinguished individuals who have played an exceptional role in advancing efforts toward global food security, improved nutrition, and agricultural development.
Highlighting the centrality of agrarian life in India, PM Modi emphasised that agriculture was a sacred bond between Mother Earth and the Indian people.
He noted that technology is becoming the new strength of Indian Agriculture and that the future of farming is not solely about 'Producing More,' but about 'Producing Better.'
Modi said India's experience demonstrates to the world that scale and sustainability can go hand in hand and that practices such as 'Per Drop More Crop' and mission-based approach to micro-irrigation and precision farming were guiding its agricultural policies.
He thanked FAO for working with India to promote healthy food choices through the celebration of the International Year of Millets.
