Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India has transformed into a food surplus nation and is now focusing on contributing to global food and nutritional security. Addressing the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), PM Modi highlighted the nation’s significant progress in agriculture and its commitment to solving global food challenges.
In his keynote address, Modi underscored the central role of agriculture in India’s economic policies. He praised the Union Budget for 2024-25, which has significantly bolstered sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices and established a comprehensive support system for Indian farmers.
The conference, hosted in India after 65 years, was attended by approximately 1,000 delegates from 70 countries. Modi reflected on India’s journey from being a newly independent country grappling with food security issues to becoming a global leader in agricultural production. He emphasized that India now ranks as the top producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and is the second-largest producer of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea.
“India’s past concerns about food security have been replaced by a proactive stance on providing solutions for global food and nutritional security,” Modi stated. He described India’s agricultural achievements as valuable for discussions on food system transformation, especially for developing nations.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s dedication to global welfare, highlighting initiatives like ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ ‘Mission LiFE,’ and ‘One Earth One Health.’ Modi advocated for a holistic approach to addressing sustainable agriculture and food systems, integrating human, plant, and animal health.
He also praised the government’s efforts over the past decade, including the introduction of 1,900 new climate-resilient crop varieties and the promotion of chemical-free natural farming. Modi mentioned India’s progress towards achieving a 20% ethanol blending target in petrol and emphasized the role of digital technology in agriculture, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and digital crop survey initiatives.
Modi announced that India is willing to share its millet basket with the world, citing millets as a nutritious solution to water scarcity and climate change challenges. He also highlighted the digitization of land records and the promotion of drones in farming, which are expected to benefit farmers and enhance global food security.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand, Conference President Matin Qaim, and Secretary of DARE and DG, ICA Himanshu Pathak also participated in the conference. The event aims to foster partnerships between research institutions and universities, influence policymaking, and showcase India’s advancements in agriculture.
The ICAE conference, running from August 2-7, will provide a platform for young researchers and professionals to present their work and network globally, furthering India’s role in agricultural progress and sustainable food systems.
Sources By Agencies
