India's Journey to Global Food Security: PM Modi Highlights Agricultural Achievements at ICAE Conference
Image: PM Narendra Modi
Image: Mathrubhumi English
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), held in India after 65 years.
He spoke about India's transformation into a food surplus country and its efforts to ensure global food and nutritional security.
The blog will discuss key points from Modi’s speech, including the significance of agriculture in India’s economic policies, initiatives for sustainable farming, and the role of digital technology in agriculture.
India's Agricultural Transformation
Introduction:
India has made remarkable strides in agriculture, evolving from a country struggling with food security to a leading global food producer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized these achievements at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE). The conference, held in India for the first time in 65 years, saw the participation of around 1,000 delegates from 70 countries.
Prime Minister’s Speech Highlights
A Food Surplus Nation:
Modi recalled how, during the last ICAE conference in India, the country was newly independent and facing significant agricultural challenges.
Today, India is a food surplus nation, leading the world in the production of milk, pulses, and spices. It is also the second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea.
“Now, India is a food surplus country,"
he said.
Global Food Security:
Image: PM Narendra Modi
Image: The Hans India
"India is working to provide solutions for global food security and global nutritional security,"
Modi stated.
He emphasized that India's experience and innovations in agriculture are valuable for global discussions on food system transformation, particularly benefiting the Global South.
Sustainable Agriculture:
Agriculture is at the heart of India's economic policies. The Union Budget 2024-25 focuses on sustainable and climate-resilient farming, supporting farmers with a comprehensive ecosystem.
Modi highlighted that India has developed 1,900 new climate-resilient crop varieties in the past decade and is promoting chemical-free natural farming.
Digital Technology in Agriculture:
Image: PM Narendra Modi at 32nd International Conference of Agriculture Economists
Image: Minnambalam
India is leveraging digital technology to revolutionize agriculture. Modi mentioned initiatives like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which transfers funds directly to farmers’ bank accounts, and digital crop surveys that provide real-time information to help farmers make data-driven decisions.
He also discussed the digitization of land records and the promotion of drones in farming, with programs training "drone didis" to operate them.
Global Welfare and Partnerships:
Modi reiterated India's commitment to global welfare, citing various initiatives like 'One Earth, One Family, One Future,' 'Mission LiFE,' and 'One Earth One Health.' These principles underscore a holistic approach to tackling challenges in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Nutritional Challenges:
Addressing nutrition, water scarcity, and climate change, Modi presented millet (referred to as Shri Anna) as a superfood requiring minimal water while offering maximum production.
India is ready to share its millet basket with the world, contributing to global nutritional security.
Future Initiatives:
The conference aims to strengthen