On the occasion of 75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released a commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination to mark the long-standing relation of India with FAO. Issuing a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that PM Modi will also dedicate to the nation 17 recently developed bio-fortified varieties of eight crops.
The occasion marks the highest priority accorded by the government to agriculture and nutrition and is a testament of the resolve to completely eliminate hunger, undernourishment and malnutrition. It will be witnessed by Anganwadis, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Organic and Horticulture Missions across the country. Union Agriculture Minister, Finance Minister and Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister will also be present on the occasion.
“The journey of FAO in making the vulnerable classes and masses stronger, economically and nutritionally, has been unparalleled. India has had a historic association with FAO. Indian Civil Service Officer Dr Binay Ranjan Sen was the Director-General of FAO during 1956-1967. The World Food Programme, which has won the Nobel Peace Prize 2020, was established during his time. India’s proposals for the International Year of Pulses in 2016 and the International Year of Millets 2023 have also been endorsed by FAO,” the Prime Minister’s Office had said in a statement.
PM Modi further spoke about India’s fight against malnutrition. He said that several departments took initiatives to reduce malnutrition in the country but their efforts were limited and lacked direction. He also cited lack of information, education, hygiene, drinking water and other such factors, for not being able to get desired results. Narendra Modi also recalled his time as the CM of Gujarat when he had the opportunity to work on initiatives to reduce malnutrition.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to improve nutrition, defeat hunger, and provide food security. The organization was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. Food and Agriculture Organization field and regional offices around the world and operated in over 130 countries. The organization is composed of 197 member states. FAO helps development agencies and governments to coordinate their activities to improve and develop forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and land and water resources. The organization also conducts research as well as provide technical assistance to the projects.
