India’s Agricultural Expertise: A Global Solution for Hunger and Climate Challenges
New Delhi: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has established itself as a food surplus nation with a thriving agricultural sector and is prepared to share its expertise to address global hunger and malnutrition amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Speaking at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in New Delhi, attended by delegates from 75 countries, Modi highlighted India’s advancements in agriculture and its readiness to contribute to global food security.
The Prime Minister emphasized India’s development of 1,900 new climate-resilient seed varieties, including rice that uses 25 percent less water. He also showcased India’s “superfoods,” such as black rice and millet, noting that these innovations could significantly benefit the Global South. Modi pointed out that black rice from northeastern states like Manipur and Assam offers medicinal benefits and economic potential for farmers. Additionally, India’s leadership in millet production, grown with minimal water for maximum yield, aligns with the UN’s designation of 2023 as the Year of the Millet and promises to address global malnutrition issues.
Modi reiterated India’s commitment to the principle of ‘One Earth-One Family,’ as discussed at the G20 conference, and emphasized the country’s diverse agricultural expertise. With 50 agro-climatic zones and varied farming practices adapted to different environments, India’s experience is invaluable for transforming agriculture globally, particularly in the Global South. This expertise is crucial as the world faces the dual challenges of climate change and the increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers, which impact human, animal, and plant health.
The Prime Minister’s address underscored India’s readiness to leverage its agricultural advancements to support global efforts in overcoming hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the country’s role as a leader in sustainable and resilient food systems.
