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Key Highlights:
Awardee: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Award Name: FAO Agricola Medal
Date & Location: May 20, 2026, at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Presented by: FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in the FAO Plenary Hall.
Significance: This marks the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to the FAO Headquarters in 30 years.
About the FAO Agricola Medal:
It is one of the highest honors bestowed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
Purpose: Awarded to distinguished leaders for their exceptional work and contributions toward agricultural transformation, food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
Why was India/PM Modi Honored? (Key Initiatives Cited by FAO): The FAO recognized several large-scale agricultural and welfare initiatives driven by the Indian government:
Financial Inclusion: Direct income support provided to more than 110 million farmers.
Social Safety Net: Operating the world's largest food-based social safety net, providing coverage to over 800 million citizens.
Millet Promotion: India's leadership in globally promoting millets, notably culminating in the UN-recognized International Year of Millets in 2023.
Bilateral Engagements in Rome:
During the visit, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He also met with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
📝 Important Static GK for Exams:
FAO Headquarters: Rome, Italy
FAO Established: 1945 (It is a specialized agency of the United Nations).
FAO Mandate: Focuses on global food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development.
International Year of Millets: 2023 (Observed globally under UN recognition).