Andhra Pradesh natural farming initiative (APCNF) among 4 finalists for Food Planet Prize

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme has achieved global recognition by becoming a finalist for the prestigious Food Planet Prize 2026

What is APCNF?

• APCNF (Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming) is a flagship programme of the Andhra Pradesh government.
• Launched in: 2016
• Implemented by: Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS)
• Objective:
  • Transition all 60 lakh farmers in the state to chemical-free natural farming
  • Promote agroecology-based sustainable agriculture

Key Features of APCNF

• World’s largest agroecology programme
• Covers over 18 lakh farmers
• Spans around 9 lakh hectares (as of 2026)
• Focuses on:
  • Zero chemical inputs
  • Soil health restoration
  • Climate-resilient agriculture
• Awards & Recognition:
  • Won Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024)
  • Finalist for Food Planet Prize 2026

About Food Planet Prize

• Recognized as the world’s largest environmental award
• Prize Amount: $1.5 million USD
• Established in 2019
• Founded by the Curt Bergfors Foundation

Prelims Focus

• APCNF launch year: 2016
• Implementing agency: RySS
• Largest agroecology programme in the world
• Food Planet Prize founder: Curt Bergfors Foundation
• Prize amount: $1.5 million

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