NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Food and Agriculture Organization's prestigious Agricola Medal during his visit to Italy, marking a significant recognition of India's contributions to global agricultural development. The honour was presented by Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, as the Prime Minister concluded his extensive five-nation diplomatic tour that saw him arrive in the European nation on Tuesday evening.
The Agricola Medal represents one of the highest honours bestowed by the United Nations' food and agriculture agency, typically awarded to individuals or institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to enhancing food security and advancing sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. The recognition comes amid India's growing prominence in global agricultural forums and its efforts to address food security challenges through technological innovation and policy reforms.
The Prime Minister's multi-country tour has focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding India's diplomatic footprint across strategic regions. Italy, which holds significant importance in India's European engagement strategy, served as the final destination of this diplomatic initiative. The FAO, headquartered in Rome, has maintained a long-standing partnership with India on various agricultural development programmes and rural transformation projects.
India remains one of the world's largest agricultural economies, with the sector employing nearly half of the country's workforce and playing a crucial role in ensuring food security for over 1.4 billion people.