The outgoing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara, recently had a farewell meeting with Secretary (West) Sibi George at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi. George praised Hagiwara for his valuable services and contributions to FAO’s work in India. The MEA expressed well wishes for Hagiwara’s future endeavors, acknowledging his long-standing role as the FAO Representative in India since 2003.
Hagiwara, who has been a natural resources management specialist for over 25 years, previously served as the Regional Programme Leader at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. In related news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the 2026 Agricola Medal by the FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the FAO Headquarters. This recognition was bestowed upon PM Modi for his significant efforts in enhancing food security, agricultural development, and farmer welfare in India.
Qu Dongyu commended PM Modi’s leadership in revolutionizing India’s agricultural sector through innovative and farmer-centric initiatives. He also praised India’s support for FAO’s global initiatives to combat hunger and poverty, highlighting the country’s commitment to achieving universal food security and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, Qu Dongyu acknowledged India’s advancements in digital public infrastructure, emphasizing the positive impact on enhancing access to digital technologies and service delivery in developing nations.
