Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organization, in Rome for his contributions to food security, agricultural development and farmer welfare. FAO chief Qu Dongyu praised India's farmer-focused schemes, food support programmes, digital initiatives and promotion of millets and sustainable farming.

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, during a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters here on Wednesday.

The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall in recognition of PM Modi’s contribution to food security, agricultural development and farmer welfare, according to the organisation.

Congratulating the Prime Minister, Qu Dongyu said the honour recognised his commitment to improving the welfare of people through landmark initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving the lives of farmers.

He also acknowledged India’s support for FAO’s efforts to combat hunger and poverty and advance universal food security and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.