The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative has been awarded the 2026 Food Planet Prize by the Curt Bergfors Foundation in Sweden. This accolade was given in recognition of APCNF's efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices across Andhra Pradesh, impacting 18 lakh farming families and 340,000 women's Self-Help Groups.
Recognition of Sustainable Practices
The APCNF initiative was selected from over 1,000 nominations worldwide, with the final selection narrowing down to four finalists. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the importance of this recognition as a tribute to the commitment of local farming communities to natural farming.
"We would like to make Andhra Pradesh a 100% natural Andhra Pradesh by 2047, restoring our resources, rejuvenating our farmlands, strengthening farmers’ wellbeing and healing the planet," said Chief Minister Naidu.
The Journey of APCNF
Founded by Rythu Sadhikara Samsta (RySS) in 2016, APCNF has been pivotal in transitioning farmers to natural farming methods. The initiative has demonstrated scalability through women-led institutions, farmer-to-farmer learning, and strong government ownership.
Impact and Future Prospects
The APCNF's approach has shown that natural farming can be a viable path for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. The initiative's success is expected to inspire similar efforts globally, contributing to environmental sustainability and food security.
| Year | Nominations | Finalists | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1000+ | 4 | APCNF |
Looking Ahead
As APCNF continues to expand its reach, the focus remains on achieving a fully natural Andhra Pradesh by 2047. This ambitious goal aligns with global sustainability targets and positions Andhra Pradesh as a leader in natural farming practices.
The recognition by the Curt Bergfors Foundation underscores the potential of community-driven initiatives in transforming agricultural landscapes and promoting environmental stewardship.
