Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has become a food surplus nation and is actively working to provide global solutions for food and nutritional security. Addressing the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized agriculture’s central role in India’s economic policies and the significant boost given to sustainable and climate-resilient farming in the Union Budget 2024-25.
Recalling the last ICAE hosted in India 65 years ago, PM Modi highlighted the transformative journey of India’s agriculture sector. “Back then, India was a newly independent nation facing significant challenges in agriculture and food security. Today, we are a food surplus country,” he said. India now leads the world in milk, pulses, and spices production and ranks as the second-largest producer of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea.
“India’s experience is invaluable for discussions on food system transformation and will benefit the global south,” PM Modi noted, addressing approximately 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries. He reiterated India’s commitment to global welfare through initiatives like ‘One Earth, One Family, and One Future,’ ‘Mission LiFE,’ and ‘One Earth One Health,’ advocating for a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture and food systems.
PM Modi underscored the progress made by his government over the past decade to ensure sustainable growth in the agriculture sector. Highlighting the importance of small farmers, who constitute 90% of Indian farmers, he pointed out that similar conditions exist in many developing Asian countries, making India’s model widely applicable.
Over the last ten years, India has introduced 1,900 new climate-resilient crop varieties and promoted chemical-free natural farming. The country is also moving towards achieving a 20% ethanol blending target in petrol, reflecting its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Addressing the nutrition challenge, water scarcity, and climate change, PM Modi presented millets, known as Shri Anna, as a solution due to their minimal water requirements and high yield. He expressed India’s willingness to share its millet basket with the world, underscoring its potential to improve global food security.
PM Modi also highlighted the integration of digital technology in agriculture. Initiatives like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which transfers funds directly to farmers’ bank accounts, and the digital public infrastructure for real-time crop surveys, enable farmers to make data-driven decisions. The ongoing campaign for land digitization and the promotion of drone usage in farming are expected to further benefit Indian farmers and enhance global food security.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Member of NITI Aayog Ramesh Chand, Conference President Matin Qaim, and Secretary of DARE and DG, ICA Himanshu Pathak were also present at the conference.
The ICAE conference, held from August 2-7, provides a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers. It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s agricultural advancements, particularly in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems.
