New Delhi: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Wednesday awarded its highest honor Agricola Medal to PM Narendra Modi in recognition of his government’s landmark schemes to increase agricultural productivity, promote food security and farmers’ welfare as well as his overall commitment towards public welfare. Receiving the award in Rome from the specialized UN agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security, PM Modi said it reflects India’s unwavering commitment to food security and sustainable development, and is an honor for the country’s farmers and others working in the sector. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, lauded the Prime Minister’s “extraordinary leadership and vision in leading the country’s efforts to transform India’s agricultural landscape through farmer-centric, innovative and path-breaking initiatives”. He also highlighted his government’s financial inclusion initiatives, the world’s largest food-based social safety net covering 800 million people since the COVID pandemic, direct income support to over 110 million farmers, national efforts to advance regenerative and natural farming, and global efforts to promote nutrient-rich millets, including the International Year of Millets in partnership with FAO. The honor is sure to boost PM Modi’s political clout in the face of the opposition, which has accused him of crony capitalism and said it has come at the expense of farmers and the working class. Since assuming power in 2014, the Modi government has come up with several schemes to help the agriculture sector, including annual cash assistance of Rs 6,000 and crop insurance for farmers. However, Congress and other opposition parties have accused him of working for big corporate houses and not doing enough for farmers. He has cited as an example in this context the agricultural reform laws made by his government, which were later withdrawn due to opposition from a section of farmers.