PM Modi in ICAE: 'India was once worried about food security!
ICAE In Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India has become a food surplus country. India is working towards providing solutions for global food and nutrition security. Food surplus means more grain produced in the country than consumed. Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAI) being organized in the country after 65 years, the Prime Minister said that the country's General Budget 2024-25 focuses on sustainable farming.
It was a very challenging period in terms of food security...
PM Modi said that the last time India hosted this conference, it was not long since it gained independence. That period was very challenging in terms of agriculture and food security in the country. He said, 'India has now become a food surplus country. India is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices in the world. Apart from this, India has also become the second largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea.'
Nearly 1000 delegates from 70 countries are participating.
The Prime Minister said, "There was a time when India's food security was a matter of concern for the world. Now, India is working towards providing solutions for global food and nutrition security." Nearly 1000 delegates from 70 countries of the world are participating in the International Conference of Agricultural Economists. This triennial conference is being organized by the 'International Association of Agricultural Economists' from 2 to 7 August. The theme of the conference this year is 'Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems'.
The Prime Minister said that India has provided 1,900 new varieties of crops that are less sensitive to climate change in the last 10 years. He said that India is promoting chemical-free natural farming. Modi said that the country is moving towards the target of mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol. This conference will highlight India's proactive approach towards global agricultural challenges and underline the country's progress in agricultural research and policy.