THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has become a food surplus country and is working towards providing solutions for global food and nutrition security. Food surplus means that there is more food available in the country than its consumption.
The Prime Minister addressed a gathering after inaugurating the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) being held in India after 65 years.
The Prime Minister stated that the country’s Union Budget for 2024-25 focuses on sustainable and climate-resilient farming. He noted that when India previously hosted this conference, the country had not been independent for long, and that period was extremely challenging for agriculture and food security.
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India largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices globally: PM
He mentioned that India is now a food surplus nation. It is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices in the world. Additionally, India has become the second-largest producer of grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea.
The Prime Minister said, there was a time when India’s food security was a matter of concern for the world. Now, India is working towards providing solutions for global food and nutrition security.
The Prime Minister stated that India has introduced 1,900 new crop varieties that are less sensitive to climate change over the past decade. He mentioned that India is promoting chemical-free natural farming and is progressing towards achieving a 20% ethanol blend in petrol.
1,000 delegates from 70 countries participating in ICAE
About 1,000 delegates from 70 countries of the world are participating in the International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE). This triennial conference is being organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists from August 2 to 7. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems’.
The conference will highlight India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and underscore the country’s advancements in agricultural research and policy. Its aim is to provide a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global counterparts.
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