Deliberate on undertaking collective action to achieve global food security: PM Modi to Agriculture Ministers

In his address through a video message to the three-day G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meet which began here from Thursday, Modi said in the Global South, Agriculture accounts for almost 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 60 per cent of jobs.

He said agriculture provides livelihood for over 2.5 billion people globally and added that we must find ways to build sustainable and inclusive food systems, focussed on marginal farmers to strengthen global fertilizer supply chains. At the same time, agricultural practices for better soil health, crop health and yield have to be adopted.

The Prime Minister said, "As Agriculture Ministers, your task is not simply that of handling one sector of the economy but you should shoulder a big responsibility for the future of humanity."

The supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have been worsened by the impact of geo-political tensions.

Climate Change is causing extreme weather events more and more frequently. These challenges are felt most by the Global South, he said.

Modi said We are promoting Natural Farming as well as Technology-enabled Farming. Farmers all over India are taking up natural farming now. They are not using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Their focus is on rejuvenating the mother earth, protecting soil health, producing ‘per drop, more crop’, and promoting organic fertilizers and pest management solutions.

The PM said as you know, the year 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets.

Of course, Millets are not new. They have been cultivated for thousands of years. But markets and marketing had influenced our choices so much that we forgot the value of traditionally grown food crops.

Modi said India's G20 priorities in agriculture focus on healing our ‘One Earth’, creating harmony within our ‘One Family’ and giving hope for a bright ‘One Future’.

I am happy to learn that you are working on two concrete outcomes. The "Deccan High level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition", and the "MAHARISHI" initiative for Millets and other grains.

The support to these two initiatives, is a statement in support for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture. I wish you all success in your deliberations, he concluded.

The three-day event was attended by more than 200 delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries and International Organizations.

The event was graced by the Agriculture Ministers from various countries and the Director Generals from International Organizations.