Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India has become a food surplus (production of more food grains than consumption) country. Now India is working towards feeding the world and providing solutions for nutritional security. Food surplus means more food grains are available in the country than consumed. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) being held in India after 65 years, the Prime Minister said that the country’s General Budget 2024-25 focuses on sustainable farming. He said, ‘India is now a food surplus country. It 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.’
India changed its picture
Modi said that the last time India hosted this conference, it was not long after independence and that period was a very challenging period in terms of agriculture and food security in the country. 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.” About 1,000 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 August 2 to 7.
Provided 1,900 new crop varieties
The theme of this year’s conference is “Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”. The Prime Minister said India has introduced 1,900 new varieties of crops that are less vulnerable to climate change in the last 10 years. He said India is promoting chemical-free natural farming. Modi said the country is moving towards achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. The conference will highlight India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and underline the country’s progress in agricultural research and policy. It aims to provide a platform to young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global counterparts.
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