In a landmark moment for India's global diplomatic and agricultural standing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious 2026 Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The award ceremony took place at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, marking the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to the facility in nearly 30 years.
Presented by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, the Agricola Medal is the UN body's highest distinction, reserved for extraordinary international leaders who demonstrate concrete action toward eradicating hunger, alleviating poverty, and ensuring universal nutrition.
Dr. Qu Dongyu highly praised the unmatched scale and depth of India’s agriculture and welfare programs under Modi’s governance, specifically pointing out several key milestones:
- The Ultimate Food Safety Net:
Feeding over 800 million citizens via the world’s largest food-based welfare distribution network since the pandemic.
Direct Farmer Welfare:
Extending direct financial income support to more than 110 million domestic farmers.
Climate & Tech Integration:
Developing nearly 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the last decade and successfully establishing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) alongside AI-driven precision advisory systems and drone technology.
The Global Millet Movement:
Successfully championing the International Year of Millets in partnership with the FAO to bring nutrient-dense, climate-smart grains back to global dinner tables.
The Award:
FAO Agricola Medal (2026).
The Presenter:
Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO.
Historical Milestones:
PM Modi is only the second Indian Prime Minister to receive this medal, following Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was honored in 2008.
Key Schemes Highlighted:
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), PM-KISAN, and "Per Drop More Crop" micro-irrigation initiatives.
