New Delhi, Aug 3 (FN Representative) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Agriculture is at the centre of India’s economic policies and underlined that the 90 per cent of small farmers of the country are the biggest strength of India’s food security. Inaugurating the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) at National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex here, he said that a similar situation is prevalent in several developing countries in Asia making India’s model applicable. Giving the example of natural farming, the Prime Minister said, “Positive results of promoting chemical-free natural farming on a large scale can be seen in the country” He also mentioned a big focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming in this year’s budget as well as developing a complete ecosystem to support India’s farmers.
Highlighting the government’s emphasis on research and development related to climate-resilient crops, Modi informed that nearly 1900 new climate-resilient varieties have been handed to the farmers in the last 10 years. “Black rice from Manipur, Assam and Meghalaya is the preferred choice due to its medicinal value”, he said, adding that India is equally eager to share its related experiences with the world community. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the seriousness of the nutrition challenge along with water scarcity and climate change. He presented Shri Anna, Millet as a solution given the superfood’s quality of ‘minimum water and maximum production’.
Modi expressed India’s willingness to share India’s millet basket with the world and mentioned the last year being celebrated as the International Year of Millets. He informed that in the last 10 years, ninety lakh hectares were brought under micro irrigation. “As India is fast moving towards the goal of 20 percent blending of ethanol, the PM said, both agriculture and the environment are benefiting.” Throwing light on leveraging digital technology in the agriculture sector, Modi mentioned PM Kisan Samman Nidhi where money is transferred to the bank accounts of 10 crore farmers with a single click. He emphasized that crores of farmers will benefit from this initiative and improve their economic condition. Recalling the last International Conference of Agricultural Economists that took place in India 65 years ago, the Prime Minister said “India was a newly independent nation making it a challenging time for India’s food security and agriculture.” He recalled the time when India’s food security was a matter of concern for the world while today, India is providing solutions to global food and nutrition security. ” India’s experience is valuable for discussions on food system transformation and is sure to benefit the global south” Modi added.