G20 Meet: PM Modi Bats For Collective Action To Achieve Global Food Security
Extreme weather events are becoming more often as a result of climate change, PM Modi said adding that the Global South bears the brunt of the consequences.
Observing that the agriculture sector is experiencing a number of global difficulties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting on Friday to reflect on how to take collaborative action to achieve global food security, news agency PTI reported. Modi addressed the agriculture sector's issues in a video message to the summit now taking place in Hyderabad, saying that supply chain disruptions created by the pandemic had been exacerbated by the impact of geopolitical tensions.
Extreme weather events are becoming more often as a result of climate change, PM Modi said adding that the Global South bears the brunt of the consequences.
"I urge you to deliberate on how to undertake collective action to achieve global food security. We must find ways to build sustainable and inclusive food systems focussed on marginal farmers. We must find ways to strengthen global fertiliser supply chains," the Prime Minister was quoted by PTI in its report.
Simultaneously, agricultural practises for improved soil health, crop health, and yield should be implemented, he noted.
Traditional practises from throughout the world may inspire us to build solutions for regenerative agriculture, according to Modi.
He also stated that there is an urgent need to eliminate agricultural and food waste and instead invest in waste-to-wealth creation.
He described India's programme as a mix of "back to basics" and "march to the future," since his administration promotes both natural farming and technology-enabled farming.
Farmers all throughout India are now practising natural farming, and they are not using synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, according to him.
According to him, their focus is on regenerating Mother Earth, safeguarding soil health, producing 'per drop, more produce,' and promoting organic fertilisers and pest management solutions.
Simultaneously, farmers in India are aggressively embracing technology to enhance production, even as they generate and use solar electricity on their farms.
Farmers use soil health cards to enhance crop choices, as well as drones to spray fertilisers and monitor growth. "I believe that this fusion approach is the best way to address several issues in agriculture," Modi stated.
Referring to 2023 as the International Year of Millets, he stated that the "superfoods" are not only nutritious to consume, but also help farmers increase their profits by using less water, less fertiliser, and being more pest-resistant.
Though millets are not new, he claims that markets and marketing have so affected our choices that the value of traditionally cultivated food crops has been neglected. He urged us to embrace millets as our preferred cuisine.
According to the Prime Minister, India is building an Institute of Millets Research as a centre of excellence for sharing best practises, research, and technology in millets as part of its own commitment.
The farmers must be empowered through innovation and digital technology, and solutions must be accessible to small and marginal farms in the Global South, according to him.
According to him, India's G20 agricultural goals are focused on mending our "One Earth," promoting peace among our "One Family," and providing hope for a bright "One Future."
He was pleased that the ministerial meeting was working on two specific outcomes: the 'Deccan High Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition' and the 'MAHARISHI' programme for millets and other grains.
He noted that his support for these two initiatives is a message in support of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture.
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