On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Agricola Medal, the highest honor from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), during a ceremony in Rome. This recognition is attributed to his government's significant initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and improving the welfare of farmers in India. Modi emphasized that the award reflects India's steadfast commitment to food security and sustainable development, and he dedicated it to the farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu commended Modi's exceptional leadership and vision, particularly in implementing farmer-centric and innovative initiatives. These include financial inclusion efforts and the world's largest food-based social safety net that has supported 800 million individuals since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the honor comes amidst ongoing criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Modi's government of prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of farmers. They reference controversial farm reform laws, which were eventually repealed following widespread protests. Despite these criticisms, the recognition from the FAO is likely to bolster Modi's political standing.