Blitz Bureau
IN a significant message to the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked agriculture economists to find ways to connect the world with sustainable agri-food systems, given that nearly 90 per cent of farmers are smallholders. He has offered India’s model of agriculture development as an example to follow.
“India’s experience is valuable for the transformation of the global food system,” PM Modi told the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists held in New Delhi. “Agriculture is central to India’s economic policy and marginal farmers are the backbone of the nation’s food security.”
PM tells world to follow India model in agriculture
The massage has a special significance in the backdrop of the recent breakdown of global supply chain and resultant food and energy crisis caused by Russia-Ukraine and Middle-East wars.
Sustainable agriculture
The International Conference of Agricultural Economists is a global event that brings experts together to discuss and promote innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and climateresilient farming practices. It was held in India after a gap of 60 years.
The Prime Minister highlighted his Government’s promotion of chemicalfree farming on a large scale, noting that this approach has yielded excellent results. “This year’s Budget also has a major focus on sustainable farming and climate-resilient farming. We are developing an entire ecosystem to support our farmers,” he said.
In the past 10 years, the Modi Government has brought around 1,900 new climate-resilient varieties of crops to its farmers, including varieties of rice that need 25 per cent less water than traditional ones.
At the outset of its third term, it has announced the release of 109 highyielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation within the year.
“There was a time when India’s food security was a concern for the world. Now, India is working to provide solutions for global food security and global nutritional security,” PM Modi said. Delegates from the other countries appreciated India’s advancements in agricultural research and policy under PM Modi’s leadership. They also acknowledged India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges.
PM Modi, on his part, acknowledged the seriousness of the nutrition challenge, along with water scarcity and climate change. He presented Shree Anna (millet) as a solution given its quality of minimum water and maximum production. During the last six years, India’s farm sector has grown at over 5 per cent a year. The Government has taken several initiatives in the last decade to ensure that farming is connected with modern technology. It is developing a complete ecosystem to support the farmers.
