PM Modi prioritises food security, tech democratisation in opening statement at G7 summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Hiroshima, Japan, for G7 Summit, presented his opening statement at forum and stressed on an inclusive food system that focuses on world's most vulnerable people. 

He began by congratulating Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for successfully organising event and said, "First of all, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Kishida, for successful organization of G-7 Summit."

He stated that he h some suggestions for forum on topic of global food security. PM Modi suggested, "To build an inclusive food system that could focus on world's most vulnerable people, keeping marginal farmers as priority."

At session, he also pitched for democratisation of technology, saying it can become a bridge between development and democracy.

He said, "re is a need to focus on holistic use of natural resources and development model inspired by consumerism has to be changed."

He also appealed to stregn global fertiliser supply chains and said, " global fertiliser supply chains have to be strengned. Political obstacles in this have to be removed. And expansionist mentality that is occupying fertilizer resources has to be stopped. This should be purpose of our cooperation."

PM Modi also emphasised on preventing wastage of food saying it should be "our collective responsibility". "It is essential for sustainable global food security," he said.

PM on development, technology and democracy

PM Modi also emphasised need for focusing on development, technology and democracy toger. He said, "It is necessary to democratise technology. Technology can become a bridge between development and democracy."

PM stated that model of development must act as a way for welfare and not become a hindrance for developing countries. He said, "I am confident that our discussions today will be useful in creating an important link between agenda of G20 and G7. And will be successful in prioritising hopes and expectations of Global South."

PM explains need for natural farming

At session, he also highlighted importance of natural farming. PM Modi said, "We can create a new model of natural farming as an alternative to fertilisers around world. I believe that we should take benefit of digital technology to every farmer in world." 

He also said that re is a requirement to separate organic food from "fashion statement and commerce" and inste, it should be linked to nutrition and health.

Speaking about millets, about which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken before as well in his dresses, said that re should be awareness about it.

He said, "Millets simultaneously dress challenges of nutrition, climate change, water conservation and food security. Awareness should be created on this."

group of seven (G7), comprising US, France, UK, Italy, Germany, Cana and Japan, represents world's richest democracies. Under its G7 presidency, Japan invited India and seven or countries to summit.

(With inputs from PTI)