. NEW DELHI: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Wednesday conferred on PM Narendra Modi the Agricola Medal, its highest honour, in recognition of his govt’s landmark schemes to enhance agricultural productivity, bolster food security and further farmers’ welfare, besides his overall commitment to public welfare. Receiving the award in Rome from the specialised UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security, PM Modi said it reflected India’s unwavering commitment to food security and sustainable development, and was an honour for the country’s farmers and others working in the sector. FAO director general Qu Dongyu 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 also highlighted his govt’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 global efforts to promote nutrient-rich millets, including through the International Year of Millets in partnership with FAO. The honour is bound to add to PM Modi’s political muscle in countering the opposition, which has accused him of crony capitalism, saying this has happened at the expense of farmers and the working class. Since taking office in 2014, Modi govt has come up with several schemes, including annual cash assistance of Rs 6,000 for farmers and crop insurance, to help the farm sector. However, Congress and other opposition parties have accused him of working for big corporate houses and not doing enough for farmers. They have cited his govt’s enactment of farm reform laws, withdrawn later due to protests by a section of farmers, as one example in this context.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of natureWant to grow Aloe vera indoors? Simple step-by-step guide to grow the succulent for beginners123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan
NEW DELHI: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Wednesday conferred on PM Narendra Modi the Agricola Medal, its highest honour, in recognition of his govt’s landmark schemes to enhance agricultural productivity, bolster food security and further farmers’ welfare, besides his overall commitment to public welfare. Receiving the award in Rome from the specialised UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security, PM Modi said it reflected India’s unwavering commitment to food security and sustainable development, and was an honour for the country’s farmers and others working in the sector. FAO director general Qu Dongyu 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 also highlighted his govt’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 global efforts to promote nutrient-rich millets, including through the International Year of Millets in partnership with FAO. The honour is bound to add to PM Modi’s political muscle in countering the opposition, which has accused him of crony capitalism, saying this has happened at the expense of farmers and the working class. Since taking office in 2014, Modi govt has come up with several schemes, including annual cash assistance of Rs 6,000 for farmers and crop insurance, to help the farm sector. However, Congress and other opposition parties have accused him of working for big corporate houses and not doing enough for farmers. They have cited his govt’s enactment of farm reform laws, withdrawn later due to protests by a section of farmers, as one example in this context.
