Collective action must to achieve global food security: PM

Hyderabad, June 16 (FN Agency) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the Agriculture Ministers of G20 countries to deliberate on undertaking collective action for achieving global food security. In his address through a video message to the three-day G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meet which began here from Thursday, Modi said in the Global South, ‘Agriculture accounts for almost 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 60 per cent of jobs.’ He said agriculture provides livelihood for over 2.5 billion people globally. “We must find ways to build sustainable and inclusive food systems, focussed on marginal farmers to strengthen global fertilizer supply chains. At the same time, agricultural practices for better soil health, crop health and yield has to be adopted,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the task of Agriculture Ministers is not simply that of handling one sector of the economy. “You should shoulder a big responsibility for the future of humanity.’ The supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have been worsened by the impact of geo-political tensions. Climate Change is causing extreme weather event more and more frequently. These challenges are felt most by the Global South, he said. ‘We are promoting natural farming as well as technology-enabled farming. Farmers all over India are taking up natural farming now. They are not using synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Their focus is on rejuvenating the mother earth, protecting soil health, producing per drop, more crop, and promoting organic fertilisers and pest management solutions,” he said.

The PM said the year 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets. “Of course, Millets are not new. They have been cultivated for thousands of years. But markets and marketing had influenced our choices so much that we forgot the value of traditionally grown food crops. Modi said ‘India’s G20 priorities in agriculture focus on healing our One Earth, creating harmony within our One Family and giving hope for a bright One Future’. ‘I am happy to learn that you are working on two concrete outcomes. The Deccan High level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition; And, the MAHARISHI initiative for Millets and other grains. The support to these two initiatives, is a statement in support for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture. I wish you all success in your deliberations,’ he concluded. The three-day event, was attended by more than 200 delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries and International Organizations. The event was graced by the Agriculture Ministers from various countries and the Director Generals from International Organisations.