Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged G20 agriculture ministers to consider how to take collaborative action to achieve global food security, claiming that the agriculture industry is now facing a number of issues due to supply chain interruptions brought on by pandemics and "geopolitical tensions". Pitching India’s policy of fusing ‘back to basics’ and ‘march to future’, Modi said, adopting both traditional and technology-enabled approaches could be an answer to many problems in the farm sector.
Underlining the challenges, he said, "We must find ways to build sustainable and inclusive food systems, focused on marginal farmers. We must find ways to strengthen global fertiliser supply chains. At the same time, adopt agricultural practices for better soil health, crop health and yield. Traditional practices from different parts of the world may inspire us to develop alternatives for regenerative agriculture."
Speaking about the need to empower farmers with innovation and digital technology, the PM Modi said, "We must also make solutions affordable for small and marginal farmers in the Global South. There is also an urgent need to reduce agricultural and food waste, and instead, invest in creating wealth from waste. "
He emphasised India's policy of combining a "march to the future" with a "back to basics" approach, shedding light on India's contribution to the agricultural industry, and claimed that India is encouraging both natural farming and farming that is supported by technology. "I believe this 'fusion approach' is the best way to address several issues in agriculture," said the Prime Minister. This being the International Year of Millets, the PM also spoke about the importance of the “superfood” and urged dignitaries to embrace "Shri Anna" as the food of choice. "These superfoods are not only healthy to consume, but they also help raise the incomes of our farmers by using less water, needing less fertiliser, and being more pest-resistant," he said.