PM Narendra Modi Urges G20 Agri Ministers to Collaborate for Global Food Security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Agriculture Ministers' meeting virtually, urging them to deliberate on the significance of collective action in achieving global food security. In his address, PM Modi emphasized the need to build sustainable and inclusive food systems with a specific focus on the welfare of marginal farmers.

Building Sustainable Food Systems and Enhancing Agricultural Practices

During the virtual meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of strengthening global fertiliser supply chains and adopting agricultural practices that promote better soil health, crop health, and higher yields. He called for drawing inspiration from traditional practices worldwide to explore alternatives for regenerative agriculture.

Empowering Farmers through Innovation and Digital Technology

PM Modi underscored the significance of empowering farmers through innovation and digital technology. He emphasized the need to make solutions affordable and accessible for small and marginal farmers in the Global South. Furthermore, he stressed the urgency of reducing agricultural and food waste while investing in creating value from waste.

Challenges Faced by the Global South in Agriculture

Acknowledging the critical role of agriculture in the Global South, PM Modi highlighted that the sector contributes nearly 30% to the GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce.

He expressed concern about the challenges faced by the Global South, including supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and the impact of geo-political tensions. Additionally, he emphasized the growing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change, which further exacerbates these challenges.

India's Focus on Natural and Technology-enabled Farming

Turning the spotlight on Indian farmers, PM Modi emphasized the promotion of natural farming and technology-enabled farming practices in the country. He highlighted that farmers across India are adopting natural farming methods, shunning synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

"Today, this sector faces several challenges. 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.

Their focus is on rejuvenating the soil, ensuring soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and promoting organic fertilizers and pest management solutions. Additionally, Indian farmers are actively utilizing technology to boost their productivity and efficiency.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the G20 Agriculture Ministers emphasized the importance of collective action, sustainability, and technology-enabled farming practices to achieve global food security. By empowering farmers, promoting innovation, and addressing challenges faced by the Global South, countries can work together to build resilient and inclusive food systems for a prosperous future.