Director General congratulates India’s significant contribution to world food security
Graziano da Silva acknowledges the historical enactment of the National Food Security Act
FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva congratulated Indian Minister of State from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on the historical enactment of the India National Food Security Act approved in August 2013, which will provide subsidised food grains to three fourths of rural population and half of the urban population in India. The Act also promotes women empowerment.
Graziano da Silva and Minister Thomas, promoter of the Bill, met today at FAO Headquarters. Director-General underlined that FAO believes that covering 67% of the population within a rights-based framework can greatly contribute to taking the country’s 213 million food insecure people out from hunger and undernourishment, and secure progress towards eradicating hunger in India.
Graziano da Silva also highlighted the importance of the BRIC countries working together and invited India to continue their active role in FAO, where he would like to share India’s achievements with other member states and staff in the Organization.
Listen to the audio interview with H.E. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture for India.