Embassy of India
Prague
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On the occasion of 75th anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 16th October 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin of Rs.75 denomination to mark the longstanding relation of India with FAO. Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of 8 crops.
The event marks the highest priority accorded by the Government to agriculture and nutrition and is a testament of the resolve to completely eliminate hunger, undernourishment and malnutrition. This event is being witnessed by Anganwadis, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Organic and Horticulture Missions across the country.
The journey of FAO in making the vulnerable classes and masses stronger, economically and nutritionally, has been unparalleled. India has had a historic association with FAO. Indian Civil Service Officer, Dr. Binay Ranjan Sen was the Director General of FAO during 1956-1967. The World Food Programme, which has won the Noble Peace Prize 2020 was established during his time. India’s proposals for the International Year of Pulses in 2016 and the International Year of Millets 2023 have also been endorsed by FAO.
India has rolled out an ambitious POSHAN Abhiyan targeting over 100 million people with the aim to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia and low birth weight. The 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of 8 crops dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister have a 3-fold increase in nutritional value. These varieties along with other food ingredients will transform the normal Indian thali into nutri-thali. The production of biofortified crops varieties will be upscaled and linked with government programme of mid-day meal, Anganwadi etc. to reduce malnutrition and make India Kuposhan Mukt through naturally enriched food ingredients. This will also usher in higher income of farmers and will open new avenues of entrepreneurship development.
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Prague, Czech Republic
16 October, 2020
