PM Narendra Modi Honoured with the ‘FAO Agricola Medal’ in Rome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) highest honour, the FAO Agricola Medal, on 20 May 2026 in recognition of his contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

The award was presented by Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu during a ceremony held in the historic Plenary Hall at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

He said, “This is an honour for millions of farmers, livestock rearers, fishermen, agricultural scientists, and workers of India. It is also a recognition of India’s unwavering commitment, centered on human welfare, food security, and sustainable development.”

He stated that the country is now focusing on “better production” instead of merely “more production,” with emphasis on biodiversity and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers.

He also referred to the global efforts being made in partnership with the FAO to promote nutrient-rich millets through the ‘International Year of Millets 2023.’

Recalling the enduring India-FAO partnership with appreciation, he said that the organization has remained a steadfast partner in India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant global agricultural power.

In this context, he highlighted the immense contributions of two distinguished Indians at the FAO — Binay Ranjan Sen, who was the first FAO Director-General from a developing country, and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, known as the father of India’s Green Revolution.

FAO Agricola Medal

The FAO Agricola Medal is one of the organization’s most prestigious honours, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to global food security, nutrition, and agricultural development.

The Agricola Medal (named after “Agricola,” the Latin word for farmer) is the highest institutional honour conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

The medal was instituted by the FAO in 1977 as part of its international numismatic awards programme to honour high-level political personalities.

Previous FAO Agricola Medal Winners

Indian recipients of the Agricola Medal: Only two Indian leaders have officially received the Agricola Medal — Dr. Manmohan Singh (in 2008, for his reforms in the modernization of rural agriculture) and Narendra Modi (in 2026).

Binay Ranjan Sen (1978): Former Director-General of the FAO and notably the only FAO Director-General to receive this special medal.

King Abdullah II of Jordan (2025): Honoured for his efforts to strengthen food security and climate-resilient agriculture in the Middle East.

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia (2024): Honoured for launching sustainable agricultural initiatives and food self-sufficiency programmes.

History of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The FAO is the oldest specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1945, with its headquarters in Rome. Its objective is to fight hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

With 194 member countries and the European Union, the FAO supports nations through research, technical assistance, education, and data services.

The headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is located in Rome, Italy.

It focuses on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and resource management, while food relief operations are handled by the World Food Programme.

Major reports include The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO), The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), and The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).