Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the G7 that India's agricultural expertise could be deployed to ensure food security and called on the grouping to ensure regular fertiliser supplies, which have been disrupted by the war in Ukraine. He called for an end to the conflict through dialogue, pointing out that the impact of the war was global.
"Can the G7 create a structured system for the widespread use of Indian agricultural talent in its member countries?" the Prime Minister said on Monday at a session on food security held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Germany. "With the help of traditional talent of India's farmers, food security will be ensured to G7 countries."
Modi reiterated that talks were the way forward to end the Ukraine war. "We are meeting amid an atmosphere of global tension," he said. "India has always been in favour of peace. Even in the present situation, we have constantly urged for the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The impact of this geopolitical tension is not just limited to Europe. The rising prices of energy and food grains are affecting all the countries. The energy and security of developing countries is particularly at risk."
He suggested that the G7 develop a structured system for the use of India's farming skills. He sought the G7's cooperation in keeping the fertiliser supply chain running smoothly. "We are trying to increase the production of fertilisers in India and seek cooperation from G7-countries in this regard," he said.
Modi noted that India had immense agricultural manpower compared with the countries of the G7. Indian agricultural skills had helped give new life to traditional agricultural products such as cheese and olive in some of the G7 countries, he said.
He also drew attention to the natural farming revolution taking place in India. "Your experts can study this experiment. We have shared a non-paper on this subject with all of you," Modi said
The Prime Minister said millets offer a way to ensure food security.
"Next year, the world is celebrating the International Year of Millets," he said. "On this occasion, we should run a campaign to promote a nutritious alternative like millets. Millets can make a valuable contribution to ensuring food security in the world."
The PM pointed out that India had supplied food grains to many countries in need, including about 35,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in the last few months. After the recent earthquake there, India was the first country to deliver relief materials. "We are also helping our neighbour Sri Lanka to ensure food security," Modi added.
Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra told reporters, "India is looked upon as a solution provider by all, which was quite evident by the body language and camaraderie of leaders with Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Source: The Economics Times