Andhra Pradesh's natural farming model awarded Gulbenkian Prize

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The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation on Friday announced that two Indian institutions have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Humanity Prize for their pioneering contributions to sustainable agriculture.

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme and eminent soil scientist Dr Rattan Lal shared the €1 million prize with an Egyptian organization.

APCNF: A pioneering agroecological programme

APCNF, run by the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RYSS), is recognised as the world's largest agro ecological initiative, positively impacting over one million small farmers across 500,000 hectares in Andhra Pradesh.

Vijay Kumar Thallam, Executive Vice President, RYSS, highlighted the programme's mission to empower small farmers by enabling them to adopt natural farming methods.

He said, “This has immense benefits for both farmers and the soil they depend on.” APCNF supports a shift from chemically intensive agriculture to natural farming practices, including the use of organic residues and crop diversification.

Dr. Rattan Lal: Soil Health Advocate

Awarded for his soil-centric approach to agriculture, Dr. Rattan Lal emphasized the critical role of soil health in addressing food security and combating climate change.

“Soil health and sustainable agriculture are critical to solving food security challenges and fighting climate change globally,” he said.

The jury, headed by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, selected the winners from 181 nominations from 117 countries.

Inspiring Global Change

APCNF aims to reach all eight million farming households in Andhra Pradesh over the next decade and is being replicated in 12 other Indian states.

Antonio Feijó, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, hoped that these success stories would inspire similar approaches around the world, contributing to a sustainable future.

Merkel highlighted how the winners have developed and implemented climate-resilient and sustainable food systems.

Significance and future impact

The Gulbenkian Prize, instituted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for Humanity, rewards individuals and organizations leading efforts to combat climate change and natural loss.

This year’s Prize reflects India’s growing role in addressing global food security and climate challenges through innovative agricultural practices.

As global food systems continue to be disrupted by climate change, the recognition of APCNF and Dr Lal’s efforts highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices.

Both Indian winners have expressed hope that the award will help propel their initiative forward and inspire similar efforts across the world, thereby boosting the global movement towards sustainable agriculture.