Director-General of the FAO,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
I sincerely thank the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization for the warm welcome and for conferring upon me the "Agricola Medal.” I also commend him for his gracious words towards India and for his years of contribution to the FAO.
This is not merely an honour for me. It is an honour for the millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fisherfolk, agricultural scientists, and workers of India. It is also a recognition of India’s unwavering commitment to human welfare, food security, and sustainable development. Accepting this medal with deep humility, I dedicate it to the "annadatas” of India.
Friends,
In Indian civilisation, agriculture is not merely a means of growing crops. It is regarded as a profound and sacred relationship between human beings and Mother Earth.
In India, agriculture is the very foundation of life. It is an integral part of our culture and a reflection of our core values. In our tradition, the Earth is revered as "Mother,” and the farmer is described as the "son of the soil.” These timeless values, rooted in thousands of years of heritage, continue to inspire our efforts even today.
Friends,
Building upon thousands of years of learning and India’s rich agricultural traditions, our country today is advancing the agriculture sector through a science, technology, and innovation-driven approach.
We are working not only to increase production, but also to create a farming ecosystem that is sustainable, climate-resilient, and future-ready. That is why scientific agriculture is being advanced across India in mission mode.
Through Soil Health Cards, we are providing farmers with scientific soil testing and nutrient-based guidance.
Campaigns such as "Per Drop More Crop” are promoting micro-irrigation and precision farming, enabling farmers to achieve higher crop yields with lower water usage.
Friends,
Today, technology is emerging as a new strength of Indian agriculture. Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives such as AgriStack, AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote sensing technologies, and sensor-based machinery are making farming in India smarter and more data-driven. Today, even a small farmer in a village can access weather updates, crop advisories, and market information through mobile technology.
India is also working rapidly towards climate-resilient agriculture. Over the past ten years, nearly 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed in the country. Three thousand. Millions of farmers across the nation are benefiting from these innovations.
Friends,
We believe that the future of farming lies not merely in "Produce More,” but in "Produce Better.” Guided by this vision, emphasis is being placed on enhancing biodiversity and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. India’s experience is demonstrating to the world that scale and sustainability can progress together, that technology and inclusion can strengthen one another, and that science-driven agriculture can become a strong foundation for global food security.
Friends,
Today, India’s agriculture sector is changing very fast. Along with becoming self-sufficient in food production, India is also playing an important role in global food security. India is the world’s largest producer of milk and spices. The country is also among the top producers of rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and cotton. India’s agricultural exports have grown strongly, rising from $35 billion in 2020 to more than $51 billion last year.
Friends,
These achievements are remarkable because India has only 2.5% of the world’s agricultural land, while nearly 18% of the world’s population lives here. India’s success has become an inspiration for the entire Global South and gives many countries the confidence to move ahead. For India, food security is not just a policy issue — it is a responsibility towards humanity.
Friends,
India’s partnership with the FAO goes back many decades. We are proud that renowned scientists like M. S. Swaminathan and Binay Ranjan Sen made major contributions to global food security through their work with the Food and Agriculture Organization. India has always believed that real change happens when science, policy, and human values come together. As a founding member, India has actively worked with the FAO to promote global food security, sustainable agriculture, and a hunger-free world. One of the best examples of our partnership was seen during the International Year of Millets. Through our joint efforts with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the world once again understood the importance and strength of millets. We will continue to work closely together in the future as well. I have noticed that whenever I talk about millets, most people mainly focus on their nutritional value. But millets are also an environmentally friendly crop. They need very little water and can be grown without chemical fertilizers. In India, nearly 85% of farmers are small farmers who cultivate on limited land. In many areas where irrigation facilities are not available and farming depends only on rainfall, millet cultivation not only improves nutrition but also helps protect the environment in a big way.
Friends,
In India, we say, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” When a farmer sows a seed, he does not merely grow a crop; he sows hope for future generations. Today, as the world navigates a period of uncertainty and instability, the contribution of farmers becomes even more significant. The honour given today will further strengthen the determination of every farmer in India. India will also continue to fully support global efforts to fight hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. And as it was mentioned that you will celebrate "Tea Day” tomorrow, a "Chaiwala” has reached among you a day earlier to celebrate the occasion. India is known for its wide variety of teas, and tea truly has a special power.
Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Director General of the FAO.
I also extend my warmest greetings to all of you.
Thank you very much.
