APCNF, a state-government-led initiative implemented through women’s self-help groups and a farmer-to-farmer extension, covers over 1.8 million farmers with an aggregate area of about 9 lakh hectares in 8,168 villages.

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) has been named one of four global finalists for the 2026 Food Planet Prize. 

APCNF, a state-government-led initiative implemented through women’s self-help groups and a farmer-to-farmer extension, covers over 1.8 million farmers with an aggregate area of about 9 lakh hectares in 8,168 villages. The 10-year-old initiative promotes natural farming practices in the mandate areas.

Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Curt Bergfors, Food Planet Prize recognises initiatives that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of food production, distribution and consumption while supporting a resilient biosphere.

The 2026 award grants $1.5 million (approximately ₹14 crore) to the winner and $150,000 (approximately ₹1.4 crore) to each finalist.

The 2026 longlist included six Indian initiatives, including AI GENIX, APCNF, AquaNurch by NatureDots, BioPrime AgriSolutions, GRAVIS and Varaha Climate. APCNF is also the first Indian initiative to be named a finalist for the Food Planet Prize since the award’s establishment in 2020.

The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of food production through lower chemical inputs, 50–60 per cent lower water use, and 23–60 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions, an APCNF executive said here on Wednesday.

The 2026 Food Planet Prize drew more than 1,000 nominations from across the globe, which the Food Planet Prize Secretariat narrowed down to a longlist of 35 initiatives spanning 19 countries and six continents.

Published on April 29, 2026