Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) highest honour — the Agricola Medal for 2026 — in recognition of his contributions to farmers' welfare, food security, agricultural productivity, and poverty eradication. Padma Shri awardee farmer Seth Pal Singh of Saharanpur welcomed the recognition, calling it a source of pride not just for the Prime Minister but for the entire nation and its farming community.

What the FAO Recognised

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu praised India's welfare measures while conferring the medal, specifically citing the free ration distribution to 80 crore people, direct income support to more than 11 crore farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme, the promotion of millets, and the country's digital public infrastructure. The Agricola Medal is the organisation's most prestigious individual honour, awarded for exceptional contributions to global food and agriculture.

This recognition comes as India has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for developing-world agriculture in multilateral forums, including its championing of the International Year of Millets in 2023.

Seth Pal Singh's Reaction

Speaking on the honour, Seth Pal Singh said: 'This award is not just recognition for the Prime Minister, but for the entire nation. Under his leadership, India's agriculture sector has reached a new level. His vision of empowering farmers through FPOs, startups, skill development, and diversification in farming has earned global respect for the country.'

The Padma Shri awardee said India has witnessed historic changes in agriculture and food security since 2014, pointing to the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi as a direct, tangible benefit for crores of farming households. 'Whenever farmers receive messages about PM-Kisan instalments being credited, there is a sense of happiness among them,' he said.

Millets and Global Agricultural Diplomacy

Seth Pal Singh also highlighted the government's push to elevate millets on the world stage. 'Earlier, millets were neglected despite being nutritious and requiring fewer resources. Farmers did not receive proper prices for coarse grains. Prime Minister Modi took millets to the international stage, which improved soil fertility, reduced cultivation costs, and increased the market value of these grains,' he said.

Notably, India's millet diplomacy has drawn sustained international attention, with several countries adopting Indian cultivation practices and import ties expanding across Africa and Southeast Asia.

Farmers' Interests and Fertiliser Support

On global pressures related to agriculture, Seth Pal Singh said the Prime Minister has consistently protected Indian farmers' interests. 'The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that he will never compromise on farmers' rights, no matter the pressure. Even in challenges related to fertilisers, subsidies were provided so that farmers do not face additional burdens,' he said.

He further noted that Modi's international standing has strengthened India's agricultural diplomacy. 'Whenever he visits foreign countries, leaders break protocol to welcome him. The work done in India is being recognised worldwide,' Seth Pal Singh added, expressing confidence that India would achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.