Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented curated samples of India's finest indigenous grains and nutritious millet bars to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu during a meeting in Rome on 21 May 2026, underscoring India's agricultural diversity and its push to promote traditional food heritage on a global stage. The exchange took place on the sidelines of Modi's State Visit to Italy, during which he was also conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal — the FAO's highest honour — at the organisation's headquarters.

The Agricola Medal and What It Recognises

The 2026 Agricola Medal was presented by Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall in recognition of Prime Minister Modi's contributions to food security, agricultural development, and farmer welfare, according to the organisation. The medal is the highest distinction awarded by the FAO and places Modi among a select group of global leaders honoured for advancing sustainable agriculture.

The Grains: A Cross-Section of India's Rice Heritage

Among the gifted rice varieties was Red Rice (Matta or Palakkadan Matta rice) from Kerala, a GI-tagged product cultivated in the black soil regions of Palakkad. Known for its reddish-brown colour and minimal polishing, it retains high levels of fibre, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, and is regarded as a cornerstone of the Western Ghats farming heritage.

From West Bengal, Modi gifted Gobindobhog rice — an aromatic short-grain variety prized for its naturally sweet, buttery aroma and soft, slightly sticky texture, making it a traditional choice for Bengali dishes such as Payesh and Khichuri.

Basmati rice, often called the 'Queen of Fragrance', sourced from the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, was also included. Globally recognised for its slender grains, nutty aroma, and gluten-free profile, Basmati is typically aged before processing to enhance fragrance and cooking quality.

Joha rice from Assam's Brahmaputra Valley — a small-grained aromatic variety valued for its naturally sweet fragrance, delicate buttery flavour, and antioxidant properties — was another addition to the gift ensemble.

Rounding out the rice selection was Kalanamak rice, also known as 'Buddha Rice', originating from the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Siddharthnagar. Distinguished by its black husk and medium-slender aromatic grains, the ancient variety is rich in iron, zinc, and antioxidants, and carries a low glycaemic index.

Millet Bars: Tradition Meets Modern Nutrition

Alongside the rice varieties, Prime Minister Modi presented healthy millet bars — products rooted in Maharashtra's agricultural tradition. Millets including jowar (sorghum) and bajra (pearl millet), widely cultivated in regions such as Solapur, Ahmednagar, and the Marathwada belt, are well-adapted to semi-arid conditions and low-rainfall environments. High in dietary fibre, protein, and essential minerals, the millet bars were presented as a convergence of traditional Indian agriculture and contemporary health-conscious food practices.

India's Broader Agenda on Food and Climate Resilience

The carefully curated gifts carried a diplomatic subtext: India has been actively championing millets and indigenous grains as part of a global push for climate-resilient, nutritious food systems. This comes amid the country's continued advocacy for the International Year of Millets legacy and its efforts to position traditional crops as viable alternatives within global food security frameworks. The gesture at the FAO headquarters reinforces that agenda at the highest institutional level.

With the Agricola Medal now added to his record and the grain gifts signalling India's food diplomacy intent, the Rome visit is set to amplify New Delhi's voice in international agricultural policy discussions going forward.