On the 75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on October 16, 2020, India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released a commemorative coin of INR 75 denomination to mark the long-standing relationship of India with FAO.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar; Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Irani; Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Parshottam Rupala; Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Kailash Chaudhary; and Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Ms Debashree Choudhary attended the event. 

Food and Agriculture Organization Representative in India, Mr Tomio Shichiri, attended this event virtually.

The event was also attended virtually by anganwadi workers, representatives from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Organic, and Horticulture Missions.

Prime Minister Shri Modi, in his speech recognized the role of FAO in increasing agriculture production, eliminating starvation, and improving nutrition in India as well as globally. He stated that, “the special commemorative coin of INR 75 has been issued today to honour your spirit of service on behalf of more than 130 crore people of India”.

Mr Shichiri, in its valedictory address, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for the gesture of the Government of India towards the issuance of a Commemorative coin on the occasion of the 75th foundation day of FAO. He said, “this special coin gives currency to the critical work of FAO on food and agriculture, and country’s endorsement of our work.”

Mr Shichiri further said, “COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear that our mission is as relevant today as it was when our founders created FAO in 1945. The pandemic has reminded everyone that food security and nutritious diets matter to all.”

India is one of the founder members of FAO, which was established on October 16, 1945 in the aftermath of the second world war, where people died of malnutrition and associated diseases. India, and the other 33 founding countries, invested in this new institution to help the world rebuild itself, by supporting agriculture and aspiring to end hunger forever. Indian Civil Service Officer Dr. Binay Ranjan Sen was the Director General of FAO from 1956-1967. The World Food Programme, which has won the Nobel Peace Prize 2020, was established during his time.

FAO began operating in India in October 1948. Since then, FAO has supported agricultural development by providing technical assistance to the Government of India in agriculture and allied sectors. More recently, FAO has endorsed India’s proposals for the International Year of Pulses in 2016 and the International Year of Millets 2023.

For further reading: Press Release (Government of India)