Andhra Pradesh’s Natural Farming Initiative Wins Global Recognition: The APCNF Clinches the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity
The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program, a pioneering initiative by the state government, has secured the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024. This award recognizes the program’s significant contributions towards global food security, building climate resilience, and protecting ecosystems.
Established in 2020 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Portugal, the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity honors individuals and organizations worldwide for their exceptional efforts in tackling climate change and developing sustainable solutions. The 2024 prize money of one million euros will be shared by the APCNF program, alongside renowned soil scientist Dr. Rattan Lal and the Egyptian organization SEKEM.
Empowering Farmers Through Natural Methods
Launched in 2016 under the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) scheme, the APCNF program aims to empower smallholder farmers by encouraging them to adopt natural farming practices as an alternative to widely used, chemically intensive agriculture. This shift involves promoting techniques such as:
- Utilizing organic residues for mulching
- Minimizing tillage to enhance soil health
- Employing indigenous seeds
- Diversifying crops, including tree plantation
The program’s core objective is to establish a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by farmers, including economic hardship caused by agricultural crises and the detrimental effects of climate change.
Transforming Lives and Landscapes
The APCNF program has grown significantly since its inception. It currently supports over 1 million smallholder farmers across Andhra Pradesh, managing a staggering 500,000 hectares of land.
Vijay Kumar Thallam, the Executive Vice Chairman of RySS, emphasizes the program’s transformative impact on both farmers and the environment. He highlights how the APCNF program empowers farmers to transition from chemical-dependent agriculture to natural farming methods, resulting in improved soil health and overall well-being.
Nettem Nagendramma, a champion farmer coach and a smallholder farmer herself, exemplifies the program’s success story. Initially unaware of the benefits of natural farming, Nagendramma witnessed a positive change in her daughter’s health after adopting these traditional methods. Inspired by this experience, she became a role model for other farmers, first as a Champion Farmer Coach in 2019 and subsequently as a Model Master Trainer in 2023, mentoring trainers across her district.
A Model for the Future
The APCNF program has ambitious goals for the future. It envisions reaching all eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh within the next decade. Additionally, the program serves as a model for other Indian states, with Andhra Pradesh currently supporting natural farming initiatives in 12 states across the country.
Looking beyond national borders, the state government plans to spearhead knowledge-sharing initiatives in five different countries. The Gulbenkian Prize money will be specifically allocated to support this endeavor, aiming to plant the seeds of natural farming practices in new regions.
The APCNF program’s global recognition shines a spotlight on India’s emergence as a leader in confronting food security and climate challenges through groundbreaking agricultural practices. As climate change continues to disrupt food systems worldwide, the program’s success in promoting sustainable farming methods offers valuable insights and a potential path forward for a more secure and resilient future.
Get Your Exam-Ready FAQs Here :
1. What is the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program?
The APCNF program is a government initiative launched in 2016 to encourage smallholder farmers to adopt natural farming methods instead of chemically intensive agriculture. It promotes practices like using organic residues, minimizing tillage, using indigenous seeds, and diversifying crops.
2. Why was the APCNF program launched?
The program aims to address the challenges faced by farmers, including economic hardship caused by agricultural crises and climate change. It seeks to create a sustainable solution by promoting environmentally friendly practices.
3. What are the key benefits of the APCNF program?
The program offers several benefits, including improved soil health, increased crop yields, reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and potentially improved farmer livelihoods and resilience to climate change.
4. What recent recognition has the APCNF program received?
The APCNF program was awarded the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for its contributions to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
5. Who else shared the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize?
The prize money was shared with Dr. Rattan Lal, a renowned soil scientist, and SEKEM, an Egyptian organization promoting sustainable agriculture.
6. How widespread is the APCNF program?
The program currently supports over 1 million smallholder farmers across 500,000 hectares of land in Andhra Pradesh.
7. What are the future goals of the APCNF program?
The program aims to reach all eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh within the next decade. Additionally, it seeks to inspire and support the adoption of natural farming practices in other Indian states and even internationally.
8. How does natural farming differ from organic farming?
Both methods avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, natural farming emphasizes traditional methods like biomass mulching, indigenous cow dung and urine formulations, and local seeds. Organic farming allows for the use of some additional inputs like vermicompost and bio-fertilizers.
9. What is the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)?
The PKVY is a separate government of India initiative launched in 2015-16 to promote organic farming across the country (excluding the North Eastern States). It provides farmers with financial and technical assistance for production, processing, certification, marketing, and post-harvest management.
10. What is the significance of the APCNF program’s success?
The program’s recognition and widespread adoption offer valuable insights for promoting sustainable agriculture practices that can contribute to food security, climate change mitigation, and improved farmer livelihoods. It serves as a potential model for other regions seeking to address similar challenges.
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