India part of global solution on food security, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: India is now a food surplus country and is working to provide solutions for global food security and nutritional security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at a global conference of agriculture economists.

The 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists organised here after 65 years drew over 1,000 delegates from 70 countries.

Modi said agriculture is at the centre of India’s economic policy, adding the recent Union Budget gave a big push to sustainable and climate-resilient farming and developing a complete ecosystem to support Indian farmers.

“After years of sustained efforts, now India is a food surplus country. India is also the number one producer of milk, pulses and spices in the world. Also, the country has become the second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar and tea,” Modi said.

The PM recalled that there was a time when India’s food security was a concern for the world. “But now, India is working to provide solutions for global food security and global nutritional security.”