Re-thinking food systems in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

“Re-thinking food systems in Andhra Pradesh, India – how Natural Farming could feed the future” uncovers the transformative insights of the AgroEco2050 foresight study, carried out by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Department of Agriculture of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This brief delves into the potential impacts of a complete agroecological transition through Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh, India, compared to a scenario ofintensification of the prevailing industrial agri-food model. By harnessing the collective expertise of diverse stakeholders and analyzing historical data from 1970-2019 as a basis to develop new scenarios, AgroEco2050 paints a vivid picture of the future of Natural Farming in the state, in terms of land use, population, employment, economic growth, productivity and reduction of income inequality. These findings provide robust macroeconomic evidence to help shape national and global conversations on the future of food and agriculture.