New Delhi, Two Indian entities have received the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Humanity Prize for their pioneering work in sustainable agriculture, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation announced on Friday.
The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program and Dr. Rattan Lal, a renowned soil scientist of Indian origin, share the one million euro prize with an Egyptian organization, the Portuguese philanthropic institution reported in a statement.
APCNF, implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), is recognized as the world's largest agroecology programme, benefiting over one million smallholder farmers across 500,000 hectares in Andhra Pradesh.
Vijay Kumar Thallam, Executive Vice President, RySS, said: "The APCNF program empowers smallholder farmers by enabling them to shift to natural farming methods. It has immense benefits for both the farmers and the soil they depend on."
The program supports farmers in the transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to "natural farming" methods, including the use of organic waste and crop diversification.
Dr. Rattan Lal, honored for his soil-centric approach to agriculture, said: "Soil health and sustainable agriculture are crucial to solving food security challenges and fighting climate change around the world." .
The jury, chaired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, selected the winners from 181 nominations from 117 nationalities.
APCNF aims to reach eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh over the next decade and is being replicated in 12 other states in India.
António Feijó, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, said: "We believe their stories will inspire others to apply similar approaches in other regions and help us build a sustainable future for all."
"Climate change and the resulting global warming have caused an increase in extreme weather events and are endangering food security around the world... This year's winners have demonstrated in an exemplary way how systems can be developed and developed sustainable and climate-resilient food solutions," said Merkel.
The award is an initiative of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which rewards individuals and organizations that lead society's efforts to address the biggest challenges facing humanity today: climate change and nature loss.
The award underlines India's growing role in addressing global climate and food security challenges through innovative agricultural practices.
The recognition comes as climate change continues to disrupt food systems globally, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming methods.
Both Indian winners expressed hope that the award would help expand their efforts and inspire similar initiatives around the world.
The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program and Dr. Rattan Lal, a renowned soil scientist of Indian origin, share the one million euro prize with an Egyptian organization, the Portuguese philanthropic institution reported in a statement.
APCNF, implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), is recognized as the world's largest agroecology programme, benefiting over one million smallholder farmers across 500,000 hectares in Andhra Pradesh.
Vijay Kumar Thallam, Executive Vice President, RySS, said: "The APCNF program empowers smallholder farmers by enabling them to shift to natural farming methods. It has immense benefits for both the farmers and the soil they depend on."
The program supports farmers in the transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to "natural farming" methods, including the use of organic waste and crop diversification.
Dr. Rattan Lal, honored for his soil-centric approach to agriculture, said: "Soil health and sustainable agriculture are crucial to solving food security challenges and fighting climate change around the world." .
The jury, chaired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, selected the winners from 181 nominations from 117 nationalities.
APCNF aims to reach eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh over the next decade and is being replicated in 12 other states in India.
António Feijó, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, said: "We believe their stories will inspire others to apply similar approaches in other regions and help us build a sustainable future for all."
"Climate change and the resulting global warming have caused an increase in extreme weather events and are endangering food security around the world... This year's winners have demonstrated in an exemplary way how systems can be developed and developed sustainable and climate-resilient food solutions," said Merkel.
The award is an initiative of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which rewards individuals and organizations that lead society's efforts to address the biggest challenges facing humanity today: climate change and nature loss.
The award underlines India's growing role in addressing global climate and food security challenges through innovative agricultural practices.
The recognition comes as climate change continues to disrupt food systems globally, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming methods.
Both Indian winners expressed hope that the award would help expand their efforts and inspire similar initiatives around the world.
