80 Years of FAO–India Collaboration: Hand in Hand for a Food-Secure Future
Context:
On World Food Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Government of India celebrated 80 years of partnership in New Delhi. The event, held under the global theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” highlighted the long-standing cooperation between India and FAO in achieving food security, agricultural transformation, and sustainable livelihoods.
FAO–India: 80 Years of Partnership
Overview:
The celebration marked a significant milestone — eight decades of collaboration between India and FAO in promoting agricultural development, food security, and rural prosperity.
India, being a founding member of FAO since 1945, has been a key contributor to global discussions on hunger eradication and sustainable agriculture.
Key Achievements Over 80 Years:
- India transitioned from a food-scarce nation in the 1940s to a self-sufficient country, now feeding over 1.4 billion people.
- The FAO–India partnership has contributed to major agricultural and policy milestones such as:
- The Green Revolution, which revolutionized crop productivity.
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensuring access to subsidized food grains.
- Strengthening of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Public Stockholding System to stabilize farmer income and food availability.
- Collaboration has expanded into nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient farming systems.
- Prominent areas of joint focus include:
- Micro-irrigation and natural farming for resource-efficient agriculture.
- Digital governance in agriculture through AgriStack to enhance data-driven decision-making and transparency.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
What It Is:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Established In:
- Date: 16 October 1945
- Place: Quebec City, Canada (following the Hot Springs Conference of 1943)
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Presence: Operates in 130+ countries globally
Aim:
To achieve food security for all, ensuring that every person has regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, while promoting sustainable agricultural growth and ending hunger worldwide.
Core Functions:
- Global Policy Leadership: Coordinates international food and agriculture policies among member nations.
- Technical Assistance: Provides support in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and climate adaptation projects.
- Research & Data: Publishes key global reports such as:
- State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI)
- FAO Statistical Yearbook
- Capacity Building: Trains farmers, institutions, and governments for developing sustainable food systems.
- Humanitarian Response: Works with the World Food Programme (WFP) to address hunger and food crises in conflict and disaster-affected regions.
Conclusion
The 80-year partnership between India and FAO reflects a shared commitment to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
From food scarcity to self-sufficiency, India’s journey has been supported by FAO’s expertise and collaboration.
As both partners reaffirm their commitment under the World Food Day 2025 theme – “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”, the focus remains on building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system that ensures better nutrition and livelihoods for all.
Source : PIB