Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated the prestigious ‘Agricola Medal’ awarded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to India’s farmers, livestock rearers, fishers, agricultural scientists and workers associated with the country’s agriculture sector.
PM Modi received the 2026 Agricola Medal, regarded as the FAO’s highest honour, during a ceremony held at the organisation’s headquarters in Rome. The award was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in recognition of the Prime Minister’s contribution to food security, agricultural development and farmer welfare.
PM Modi dedicates award to India’s food providers
After receiving the honour, Modi said the recognition belonged to the millions of people connected to India’s agriculture and food production ecosystem.
“I accept the FAO’s Agricola Medal with great humility. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the FAO for this honour. I dedicate this medal to the food providers of India,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
He further said the honour reflected India’s commitment to food security, sustainable development and public welfare.
“This is an honour for millions of Indian farmers, livestock keepers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists and workers. It is also an honour to India’s unwavering commitment, at the centre of which lies human welfare, food security and sustainable development,” Modi added.
PM Modi discusses food security with FAO chief
During his visit to the FAO headquarters in Rome, Modi also held discussions with Qu Dongyu on issues related to agriculture, food security and sustainable farming practices.
The Prime Minister said the meeting focused on India’s initiatives in the agriculture sector and efforts aimed at improving food security and rural welfare.
According to officials, the discussions also covered technology-driven reforms and measures to strengthen agricultural productivity.
FAO praises India’s agriculture initiatives
Congratulating Modi on the honour, Qu Dongyu said the award recognised the Prime Minister’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security through various farmer-focused initiatives.
The FAO chief also acknowledged India’s support for global efforts to combat hunger and poverty while promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Qu praised Modi’s leadership in pushing technology-driven reforms in agriculture and highlighted India’s growing role in supporting developing countries through digital innovation.
Focus on digital infrastructure highlighted
The FAO Director-General also referred to India’s emphasis on digital public infrastructure during its G20 Presidency, calling it an important step towards expanding access to digital technologies in developing nations.
According to Qu, India’s approach has helped improve service delivery systems and contributed to poverty reduction efforts.
The FAO noted that India’s sustained efforts in agriculture, welfare schemes and digital governance have played a major role in improving livelihoods and strengthening food security for millions of people.
The Agricola Medal is among the highest recognitions awarded by the FAO to leaders for their contribution to advancing global food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.
(With inputs from IANS)