‘Beyond’ the News 1. Food Planet Prize 2026 (Current Events)
Food Planet Prize 2026 (Current Events)
Why In News:
The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative won the prestigious Food Planet Prize 2026 awarded by the Curt Bergfors Foundation, Sweden.
What is APCNF?:
APCNF is a zero-budget, chemical-free farming programme launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Based on principles of Natural Farming — no synthetic pesticides, no chemical fertilisers; uses on-farm bio-inputs like Jeevamrutha (fermented cattle dung mix) and Beejamrutha (seed treatment).
Covers over 1.8 million farmers across Andhra Pradesh and is among the world's largest natural farming programmes.
Goal: Convert all farming in Andhra Pradesh to natural farming by 2047.
Key Facts for Prelims:
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Launched by the Government of India as a standalone mission under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare to promote natural farming across the country.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Another scheme promoting organic and natural farming with cluster-based approach.