Indian American Soil Scientist Awarded Prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Science

July 13 :
The groundbreaking work of Indian-American soil scientist Dr. Rattan Lal in the field of sustainable agriculture will be honored with the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. A group from Egypt and the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program will share Dr. Lal's €1 million award, according to the statement from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and increased food production are hallmarks of Dr. Rattan Lal's soil-centric agricultural approach. For his efforts to raise awareness about the need of healthy soil for sustainable agriculture, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including India's Padma Bhushan and the World Food Prize. Yeah, I understand. At Ohio State University, Lal is a professor who established the Carbon Management & Sequestration Center.

The largest agro-ecology project in the world is the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program run by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS). The Andhra Pradesh government launched APCNF in 2016 to assist smallholder farmers in shifting their farming techniques away from chemicals and towards more natural methods. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, which is bestowed annually by the German chancellor Angela Merkel, will be awarded in 2024 to those who have developed revolutionary sustainable farming practices that have flourished in harsh environments.

Sustainable farming practices are crucial in fighting climate change and guaranteeing a safe food supply for people all across the globe, and this prize acknowledges that. To help the winners spread their message and grow their impact, the prize money will be distributed equally.