PM Modi Releases Commemorative Coin and Nutri-Thali Varieties to Mark FAO's 75th Anniversary

In a significant milestone for India's agricultural and nutritional endeavors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by unveiling a commemorative coin with a denomination of Rs 75. The coin serves as a symbol of India's enduring relationship with the FAO and its unwavering commitment to addressing hunger, undernourishment, and malnutrition. During the commemorative event, Prime Minister Modi also dedicated 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of eight crops to the nation. This gesture underlines the government's dedication to agricultural and nutritional advancement, emphasizing the goal of eradicating hunger and malnutrition. The event, attended by Anganwadi centers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Organic and Horticulture Missions, was a testament to the top priority accorded to agriculture and nutrition by the Indian government. Union Agriculture Minister, Finance Minister, and WCD Minister were also present, signifying the importance of this occasion. India's connection with FAO has deep historical roots. Dr. Binay Ranjan Sen, an Indian Civil Service Officer, served as the Director General of FAO from 1956 to 1967. It was during his tenure that the World Food Programme, which later won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, was established. Additionally, FAO endorsed India's proposals for the International Year of Pulses in 2016 and the International Year of Millets in 2023. Recognizing malnutrition as a pressing global issue, India has launched the ambitious POSHAN Abhiyaan, aiming to target over 100 million people to combat stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight. Malnutrition remains a critical concern, with approximately two billion people worldwide suffering from micronutrient deficiency, and nearly 45% of child deaths linked to malnutrition, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The Indian government has prioritized the development of nutritionally rich crop varieties containing elevated levels of essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, protein quality, lysine, tryptophan, anthocyanin, provitamin A, and oleic acid. In the past five years, the National Agricultural Research System, led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has developed 53 such biofortified varieties, compared to just one prior to 2014. The 17 recently introduced biofortified varieties of eight crops boast up to a three-fold increase in nutritional value. These varieties, including rice, wheat, maize, finger millet, little millet, mustard, groundnut, and yam, have been developed using local landraces and farmer's varieties, ensuring that they are well-suited to local conditions. ICAR has initiated the Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) program to promote family farming while linking agriculture to nutrition. Nutri-smart villages and location-specific nutrition garden models are also being developed and promoted by Krishi Vigyan Kendras to ensure access to locally available, healthy, and diversified diets with adequate macro and micronutrients. The production of biofortified crop varieties will be scaled up and integrated with government programs such as mid-day meals and Anganwadi centers, with the aim of reducing malnutrition and creating a malnutrition-free India. Additionally, this initiative is expected to increase farmers' income and foster entrepreneurship development. In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commemorative coin release and the dedication of biofortified crop varieties are significant steps towards enhancing food security and nutrition in India. These initiatives not only honor India's historic association with FAO but also reflect the nation's commitment to eliminating hunger and malnutrition. The introduction of biofortified varieties promises to transform the traditional Indian thali into a nutri-thali, offering healthier and more nutritious diets to the masses.