PM Modi Receives FAO Agricola Medal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal on 20 May 2026 at the Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The medal was presented in the FAO Plenary Hall by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu during Modi’s visit to Rome.

FAO Agricola Medal

The Agricola Medal is one of the highest honours of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is awarded to leaders for work related to agricultural transformation, food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

FAO and United Nations Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations established in 1945. Its mandate covers food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development across member states.

India’s Agriculture-Related Initiatives

The FAO cited financial inclusion for farmers, direct income support to more than 110 million farmers, and the world’s largest food-based social safety net covering 800 million people. It also referred to India’s promotion of millets through the International Year of Millets 2023.

Important Facts for Exams

• The FAO Headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.
• The FAO was established in 1945 as a specialised agency of the United Nations.
• The International Year of Millets 2023 was observed globally under United Nations recognition.
• The Agricola Medal is associated with agricultural leadership and food systems.

Diplomatic Engagements in Rome

During the same visit, Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and met Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The visit was the first by an Indian Head of Government to FAO Headquarters in 30 years.