Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video message at the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meet, emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture in human civilization. He welcomed the dignitaries to India and expressed that the responsibilities of an Agriculture Minister extend beyond economic considerations to securing the future of humanity.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the global scale of agriculture, providing livelihoods for over 2.5 billion people and contributing almost 30% of GDP and over 60% of jobs in the Global South. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Global South, including the pandemic’s impact, worsening geopolitical tensions, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change.
India’s Approach to Agriculture
Prime Minister Modi shed light on India’s approach to agriculture, emphasizing the fusion of “back to basics” and “march to the future.” He highlighted the promotion of Natural Farming and Technology-enabled Farming as key components. The Prime Minister proudly shared that farmers across India are increasingly adopting natural farming practices, focusing on rejuvenating the soil, protecting soil health, and promoting organic fertilizers and pest management solutions.
Simultaneously, he emphasized the proactive use of technology by Indian farmers, such as harnessing solar power, utilizing Soil Health Cards for crop optimization, and employing drones for crop monitoring and nutrient spraying. This fusion approach, according to the Prime Minister, is the most effective way to address various agricultural challenges.
International Year of Millets
Prime Minister Modi noted that the year 2023 is designated as the International Year of Millets. He highlighted the benefits of millet as superfoods that contributes to both health and increased farmer incomes. Millets require less water and fertilizer, making them an environmentally sustainable crop.
The Prime Minister mentioned that Hyderabad showcases various dishes prepared with millet, symbolizing their importance. He emphasized the need to embrace millets as the food of choice and announced India’s development of the Institute of Millets Research as a Center of Excellence for sharing best practices, research, and technologies related to millets.
Collective Action for Global Food Security
The Prime Minister called upon the Agriculture Ministers to undertake collective action to achieve global food security. He proposed building a sustainable and inclusive food system that prioritizes the welfare of marginal farmers and strengthens global fertilizer supply chains. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of agricultural practices that improve soil health, crop yield, and overall sustainability.
He suggested exploring traditional practices from different regions as potential alternatives for regenerative agriculture. The Prime Minister emphasized the empowerment of farmers through innovation and digital technology, particularly for small and marginal farmers in the Global South. Furthermore, he highlighted the urgent need to reduce agricultural and food waste while promoting wealth creation from waste.
