On the occasion of World Food Day 2025, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India celebrated its remarkable transformation from a food-deficient nation to a global agricultural powerhouse that now feeds 1.4 billion people.
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, delivered the keynote address, highlighting India's extraordinary agricultural journey since independence. He credited visionary policies, scientific innovation, and strong international partnerships for this success story.
"Despite having less than four percent of the world's agricultural land and freshwater resources, India has achieved complete food self-sufficiency," Dr. Chaturvedi stated. He emphasized that mechanisms like public stockholding and Minimum Support Price have been instrumental in maintaining price stability and ensuring food access for over 800 million people under the National Food Security Act.
Agriculture Secretary acknowledged FAO's crucial role in India's agricultural evolution, particularly in achieving food grain self-sufficiency, promoting crop diversification, and building farmer resilience. As a founding member of FAO since 1945, India's progress demonstrates how coordinated efforts between production systems and policy innovation can reduce hunger at scale.
Dr. Chaturvedi highlighted that India's agricultural backbone comprises 146 million small and marginal farmers who have benefited from targeted interventions including stress-tolerant seeds, concessional credit, crop insurance, and climate-smart practices. The government's focus on micro-irrigation, natural farming, and digital infrastructure like AgriStack is empowering farmers with technology and real-time information.
Looking ahead, the Secretary stressed the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, ensuring healthy, diverse, and affordable diets for all citizens. He called for deeper international cooperation and knowledge-sharing to address global food challenges through locally-rooted solutions.
The event featured the release of FAO's commemorative book "Sowing Hope, Harvesting Success," documenting eight decades of collaboration between FAO and India. United Nations Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp remarked that "FAO's story in India mirrors India's rise as a global agricultural leader."
Aligned with this year's theme "Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future," the celebration brought together government officials, UN representatives, development partners, and farmers. Dr. Chaturvedi concluded by extending World Food Day greetings and Diwali wishes to all participants.
