Andhra Pradesh's Natural Farming Wins Gulbenkian Prize 2024

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) is a program launched in 2016 by the Andhra Pradesh government to support smallholder farmers in transitioning to natural farming practices, for that Andhra Pradesh won Gulbenkian Prize 2024.

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF)

Launched in 2016 by the Andhra Pradesh from chemical-intensive to natural farming
Promotes practices like using organic residues, minimizing tillage, reintroducing indigenous seeds, and diversifying crops
Reached out to 1 million farmers in the state, with significant support from women's self-help groups
Plans to cover all 8 million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh over the next decade
Currently supporting 12 other Indian states in adopting natural farming practices
Will use the prize money to promote natural farming in five other countries

2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity

Awarded by the Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF)
Recognizes contributions to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection
One million euro prize shared among three recipients in 2024
Winners selected from 181 nominations across 117 nationalities
Jury chaired by Dr. Angela Merkel, former German Chancellor
Established in 2020 to honor outstanding contributions to climate action and sustainable solutions

Prize Recipients

a) Rattan Lal

Renowned soil scientist
Recognized for his work in soil health and sustainable agriculture

b) SKEEM of Egypt

A conglomeration of NGOs and businesses
Promotes holistic approaches to tackle climate change
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish
Transformed arid land in Egypt into thriving agricultural hubs
Supports over 10,000 farmers and converted 40,000 acres to biodynamic farming
Integrates agriculture, social development, and cultural initiatives
Established Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development

Natural Farming in India

Based on traditional methods of biomass mulching, year-round green cover, and indigenous cow-based formulations
Differs from organic farming by not using vermicompost, bio-fertilizers, or soil corrections
Four pillars: Jivamrita, Bijamrita, mulching and vegetation protection, and Whapasa
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) launched by the Indian government in 2015-16
PKVY implemented in cluster mode with a minimum farm size of 20 hectares
Provides farmers with financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for three years

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