NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred the FAO Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.The award was presented at the FAO headquarters in Rome by Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu during a ceremony in the historic Plenary Hall. PM Modi, who is on the final leg of his five-nation tour, arrived in Italy on Tuesday night. Describing the recognition as a collective honour, he said it belonged to those engaged in India’s farm sector.“This is an honour to India’s millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists, and workers. This is also an honour to India’s unwavering commitment, at the centre of which lies human welfare, food security, and Sustainable Development,” he said.The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s broader agricultural approach, stressing the balance between productivity and sustainability. He said the country was shifting focus towards “Producing Better” rather than only “Producing More”, with emphasis on biodiversity and reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers.Highlighting the role of innovation, PM Modi said modern tools such as AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote sensing and digital public infrastructure were transforming farming practices and improving incomes. He also noted that India has developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the past decade.He reiterated that food security is not merely a policy objective but a responsibility towards humanity, adding that India’s experience shows scale and sustainability can go together when technology and inclusion are combined.The FAO Agricola Medal is among the organisation’s most prestigious honours, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to global food security, nutrition and agricultural development.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress 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 Harassment’Economic Storm Raging, PM Busy Handing Out Candies’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Over ‘Melody’ VideoPM Modi & President Trump To Cross Paths At G7 Summit In France Amid India-US Trade Push123Photostories8 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 beginnersHow to Boost Your Self-Confidence? Here Are Some Astrological RemediesSaffron milk skin benefits: Why the internet is obsessed with this beauty drink123Hot 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: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred the FAO Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.The award was presented at the FAO headquarters in Rome by Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu during a ceremony in the historic Plenary Hall. PM Modi, who is on the final leg of his five-nation tour, arrived in Italy on Tuesday night. Describing the recognition as a collective honour, he said it belonged to those engaged in India’s farm sector.“This is an honour to India’s millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists, and workers. This is also an honour to India’s unwavering commitment, at the centre of which lies human welfare, food security, and Sustainable Development,” he said.The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s broader agricultural approach, stressing the balance between productivity and sustainability. He said the country was shifting focus towards “Producing Better” rather than only “Producing More”, with emphasis on biodiversity and reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers.Highlighting the role of innovation, PM Modi said modern tools such as AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote sensing and digital public infrastructure were transforming farming practices and improving incomes. He also noted that India has developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the past decade.He reiterated that food security is not merely a policy objective but a responsibility towards humanity, adding that India’s experience shows scale and sustainability can go together when technology and inclusion are combined.The FAO Agricola Medal is among the organisation’s most prestigious honours, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to global food security, nutrition and agricultural development.