PM Modi receives Agricola Medal from UN-FAO

Prime Minister was conferred the prestigious Agricola Medal for 2026 by the (FAO) of the United Nations at the FAO Headquarters in Rome on May 20.

The award was presented in recognition of his exceptional leadership in promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development both in India and globally.

FAO’s Highest Honour

The Agricola Medal is the highest award conferred by the FAO. It is awarded to leaders who demonstrate extraordinary commitment toward advancing the organisation’s mandate of eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security and nutrition for all.

The award also recognised Prime Minister Modi’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and his efforts to place agrifood systems and rural development high on the international agenda, including during India’s G20 Presidency.

Award Presented by FAO Director-General

The medal was presented by, Director-General of the FAO.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to Indian farmers and the Indian agricultural scientific community for their continuous efforts in ensuring food security and nutrition not only for India but also for the wider global community.

Focus on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s scientific and innovation-driven approach to agriculture, stating that it was helping create a sustainable, climate-resilient, and future-ready agricultural ecosystem.

He emphasized that initiatives such as:

• “Per Drop More Crop”
• Micro-irrigation expansion
• Precision farming
• Mission-based agricultural reforms

were guiding India’s agricultural policies and improving resource efficiency.

Significance of the Award

The recognition reflects India’s growing global role in sustainable agriculture, food systems transformation, and climate-resilient farming practices.

The FAO acknowledged India’s efforts in strengthening food security, improving agricultural productivity, supporting small farmers, and promoting technology-driven farming solutions.

Source: FAO