“Food and nature: Why it makes profound sense for the state of Andhra Pradesh to scale up Natural Farming” will be discussed by Reddy, who has been chief minister of the state since 2019. This topic reflects the digital event’s emphasis on the value of farming with nature. By combining local and scientific knowledge, and focusing on the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment, it’s possible to provide nutritious food and sustainable livelihoods while helping to address the negative impacts of conventional agriculture on climate change and biodiversity loss.
Reddy launched two nutrition schemes in 2020, which aim to provide nutritious food to pregnant and lactating women and children. This should help to reduce malnutrition and strengthen future generations, Reddy has said. Indeed, the world needs access to nutrient-rich food that supports health and well-being, provides employment and income for everyone, including women, Indigenous Peoples and marginalized groups, and ensures that landscapes are and remain productive in the future. The efforts in Andhra Pradesh state are informally aligned with the CIFOR event theme of the importance of working with nature and people – including their networks, relationships, solidarity, knowledge – as a key success factor to sustainably manage land and transform food systems.
