Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal during a ceremony at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome [1].
The award recognizes India's role in global food security and the government's efforts to improve the lives of agricultural workers. As the highest honor bestowed by the organization, the medal signals international validation of India's agricultural policies and its commitment to human welfare in the sector [2, 3].
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu presented the award in the Plenary Hall of the headquarters [3]. Qu said that Modi’s commitment to food security and farmer welfare is exemplary and deserves this highest FAO honour [2].
The ceremony took place on Wednesday [1, 3]. The award is specifically identified as the 2026 Agricola Medal [2].
Modi dedicated the recognition to the people driving India's agricultural success. "I dedicate this honour to Indian farmers, livestock rearers, fishers, agricultural scientists, and workers," Modi said [1].
The medal highlights India's strategic focus on stabilizing food supplies and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. By honoring the Prime Minister, the FAO acknowledges the scale of India's agricultural initiatives and their impact on regional and global food stability [2, 3].
“"I dedicate this honour to Indian farmers, livestock rearers, fishers, agricultural scientists, and workers."”
The conferral of the Agricola Medal positions India as a central player in the global effort to combat hunger and improve agricultural sustainability. By recognizing the Prime Minister's leadership, the FAO acknowledges the intersection of national policy and global food security, potentially increasing India's influence in future international agricultural frameworks and UN-led food initiatives.
