Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has become a food surplus country and is working to provide solutions for global food and nutritional security.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), which is being organised in India after 65 years, the Prime Minister also said the Union Budget 2024-25 focuses on sustainable agriculture.
Noting that the last time when the conference was hosted here, India had just achieved Independence, and it was a challenging time for the country's agriculture and food security.
"Now, India is a food surplus country," he said, adding that the country is the number one producer of milk, pulses and spices in the world.
Also, the country has become the second-largest producer of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar and tea.
"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," he said at the conference, attended by about 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries.
The theme for this year's conference is "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems".
The Prime Minister also said India has provided 1,900 new climate-resilient varieties of crops in the last 10 years.
India is promoting chemical-free natural farming, he added.
He said the country is moving towards achieving the 20 per cent ethanol blending target in petrol.
The conference will highlight India's proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and showcase the nation's advancements in agricultural research and policy.
The event will provide a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers.
It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India's agricultural progress, including advancements in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India recently highlighted the country's efforts and achievements in addressing food security. As India has become a food-surplus nation, the focus has shifted towards ensuring that this surplus translates into food security for all its citizens.
Key points from PM Modi's statement include:
Agricultural Productivity:
India has seen significant growth in agricultural production, contributing to the nation's food surplus. Investments in technology, irrigation, and farming techniques have boosted productivity.
Food Distribution:
The government has implemented various schemes to improve food distribution, ensuring that surplus food reaches the needy. Programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) aim to provide subsidized food grains to millions of low-income households.
Nutritional Security:
Beyond just food security, there is a focus on nutritional security. Initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in schools aim to provide balanced meals to children, addressing malnutrition and promoting better health outcomes.
Sustainable Farming:
Emphasis is being placed on sustainable agricultural practices to maintain long-term food security. This includes promoting organic farming, reducing chemical use, and conserving water resources.
Research and Development:
Investments in agricultural research and development are crucial. Efforts are being made to develop high-yield, drought-resistant crop varieties and improve farming practices through innovation.
Global Collaboration:
India is also working with other countries and international organizations to share knowledge and collaborate on
food security initiatives. This includes contributing to global food security efforts and learning from best practices around the world.
These efforts collectively aim to ensure that India's food surplus is effectively utilized to achieve comprehensive food security, benefiting all segments of the population.
