Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the prestigious Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at its headquarters in Rome, Italy — during his recent landmark visit to Italy as part of his five-nation European tour. The Agricola Medal — named after “Agricola” (Latin for farmer) — is the premier institutional accolade awarded by the FAO Director-General to exceptional global leaders who have demonstrated visionary statecraft and concrete policy execution in transforming global agrifood systems. Established by FAO in 1977 as part of its international numismatic award programme, the medal is awarded selectively to high-level political figures whose work materially advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Key Highlights
- Recipient: PM Narendra Modi.
- Award: FAO Agricola Medal.
- Conferring authority: FAO Director-General (currently QU Dongyu, China).
- Venue: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy.
- Award meaning: “Agricola” — Latin for “farmer”.
- Established: 1977 by FAO.
- Indian recipients (only two):
- Dr. Manmohan Singh (2008) — for rural agricultural reforms.
- PM Narendra Modi (2026) — for structural agrifood transformation.
Stated rationale (basis of conferral):
| Area | India’s Initiative | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Food Safety Net | PMGKAY — free foodgrains | 800 million citizens |
| Farmer Income Support | PM-KISAN — direct cash transfers via DPI | 110+ million smallholders |
| Climate Resilience | Indigenous bio-fortified, climate-resilient varieties | ~3,000 varieties |
| Agritech Integration | Drones, AI weather advisories, satellite remote-sensing | Across multiple states |
| Water Conservation | ‘Per Drop More Crop’ (PMKSY) — micro-irrigation, sensor-based management | Water-stressed agrarian belts |
About the News
What is the FAO Agricola Medal?
The highest institutional accolade awarded by the FAO of the United Nations to exceptional global leaders for visionary leadership in transforming global agrifood systems — established in 1977.
Why was it conferred on PM Modi?
For India’s structural agrifood achievements over the past decade, particularly the world’s largest free food-grain safety net (PMGKAY), direct income transfers to smallholders (PM-KISAN), deployment of 3,000+ climate-resilient bio-fortified crop varieties, tech-driven farm interventions, and micro-irrigation scaling.
Who are the only Indian recipients?
Only two Indian Prime Ministers have received it: Dr. Manmohan Singh (2008) for rural agricultural reforms, and PM Narendra Modi (2026) for comprehensive agrifood transformation.
What is the medal’s underlying aim?
To recognise extraordinary action toward UN SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) — honouring leaders who dismantle structural poverty, upgrade smallholder livelihoods, enforce robust food safety nets, and champion sustainable, science-driven ecological farming.
Background Concepts
What is the FAO?
The Food and Agriculture Organization — a specialised agency of the United Nations founded on 16 October 1945, headquartered in Rome, Italy. Its mandate covers defeating hunger, improving nutrition, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development. It has 194 member countries + the European Union (195 members in total). World Food Day is observed on 16 October to mark its founding.
What is PMGKAY?
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana — launched in March 2020 during COVID-19, providing free foodgrains to ~80 crore (800 million) National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries. In December 2023, the Cabinet extended PMGKAY for 5 years till December 2028.
What is PM-KISAN?
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi — launched in February 2019, providing ₹6,000 per year (in three ₹2,000 instalments) as direct cash transfer to the bank accounts of smallholder and marginal farmers. Currently benefits ~11 crore farmers.
What is ‘Per Drop More Crop’?
A component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) — launched in 2015 — focused on micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) and sensor-based water-management to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.
What is SDG 2?
Sustainable Development Goal 2 — “Zero Hunger” — one of 17 SDGs adopted by the UN in 2015 (with 2030 target). It aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture globally.
What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
Open, interoperable digital systems that serve as foundational layers for government, private, and citizen interactions. India’s DPI stack includes Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), Account Aggregator (data), ULI (credit), Bhashini (language), ONDC (commerce) — enabling transparent, leakage-free delivery of welfare like PM-KISAN.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the FAO Agricola Medal recently conferred on PM Modi, consider the following statements:
- The medal is the highest institutional accolade awarded by the FAO of the United Nations.
- It was established by the FAO in 1977 as part of its international numismatic award programme.
- The medal is awarded by the FAO Director-General to recognise leaders advancing UN SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
- PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian leader to receive the Agricola Medal.
How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- The FAO was founded on 16 October 1945.
- Its headquarters are in Rome, Italy.
- The FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.
- World Food Day is observed on 16 October each year, marking the founding of the FAO.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Q3. Consider the following statements about India’s major agrifood schemes:
- PMGKAY provides free foodgrains to around 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries and has been extended till December 2028.
- PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 to smallholder farmers.
- ‘Per Drop More Crop’ is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched in 2010.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Q4. With reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consider the following statements:
- The SDGs were adopted by UN member states in 2015 with a target year of 2030.
- There are a total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- SDG 2 specifically addresses Zero Hunger, food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
- India has its own SDG India Index prepared by NITI Aayog to track progress.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Answer Key
- (c) — Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong; PM Modi is the second Indian leader to receive the Agricola Medal — the first was Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2008 for his rural agricultural reforms.
- (e) — All four statements are correct.
- (a) — Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong; the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015, not 2010.
- (e) — All four statements are correct.
