Biotech Updates

Indian Prime Minister Awarded FAO Agricola Medal

April 11, 2008

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director General Jacques Diouf conferred the UN organization’s highest award, the Agricola Medal, on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in recognition of his contribution to agricultural development and the reduction of hunger and poverty. The award was given on the occasion of the Global Agro-Industries Forum meeting held in India from 8-11 April, 2008. Dr Manmohan Singh has introduced many flagship schemes such as the National Food Security Mission, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Bharat Nirman, Rasthriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and National Policy for Farmers.

“With your deep understanding of India’s economy you have made modernizing and revitalizing your country’s agriculture one of your highest priorities,” FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf Dr Diouf said. Previous recipients of the Agricola Medal include King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Pope John Paul II, and heads of nations from French, China, Egypt, Spain, Turkey, and Germany.

More information about the FAO Agricola at: http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2008/1000824/index.html. Profile of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India is available at http://www.pmindia.nic.in/. Contact Bhagirath Choudhary at b.choudhary@isaaa.org for more information on agricultural development in India.