These Organizations Launch Earth Summit 2025‑26 to Empower Rural Innovation

Hyderabad will host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025‑26, jointly organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). With the theme “Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change,” this event marks a major step in India’s efforts to connect technology, finance, and policy for sustainable rural development. Following Hyderabad, the Summit will move to Gandhinagar (December 5–6, 2025) and New Delhi (February 2026), covering regional and national dimensions of rural transformation.

Purpose and Vision of the Earth Summit

• The summit’s primary goal is to establish a dynamic platform to accelerate rural transformation through the integration of technology, financial inclusion, and climate action.
• NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. stated that the summit aims to catalyze partnerships that turn rural potential into tangible progress. IAMAI President Subho Ray emphasized leveraging local innovation for creating globally relevant, equitable, and sustainable rural economies.
• This aligns with India’s larger vision of inclusive growth and the use of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to bridge rural-urban divides.

Key Summit Details

Theme and Timeline

• Theme: Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change
• Hyderabad: November 20–21, 2025
• Gandhinagar: December 5–6, 2025
• New Delhi: February 2026

Stakeholders and Participants

The Summit will feature collaboration between:

• Central and state government ministries
• Regulatory bodies and public sector agencies
• AgriTech startups and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations)
• Financial institutions and venture capitalists
• International development agencies and NGOs

Summit Format

• Keynotes and policy panels from sectoral leaders
• Startup exhibitions showcasing rural innovations
• Investor meets focused on scaling rural enterprises
• Workshops on digital finance, agri-logistics, and clean energy

Focus Areas of the Earth Summit

The Earth Summit 2025‑26 will explore actionable themes critical to rural development,

1. Rural Finance and Credit Access

Strategies to expand credit for smallholders, women entrepreneurs, and cooperatives using data-driven lending models and fintech partnerships.

2. AgriTech and Digital Infrastructure

Promotion of smart farming technologies, satellite-based advisory tools, and last-mile internet connectivity to improve rural productivity.

3. Climate-Smart Agriculture and Green Financing

Support for low-carbon practices, resilient cropping systems, and access to green bonds and climate financing instruments tailored to rural needs.

4. Renewable Energy and Circular Economy

Decentralized clean energy models, such as solar microgrids and bioenergy from agri-waste, to support self-sufficient rural communities.

5. Women-Led Enterprises and Inclusive Innovation

Empowering women innovators and self-help groups (SHGs) through capacity-building, market linkages, and policy support.

Static Facts

• NABARD Founded: 12 July 1982
• Headquarters of NABARD: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Current NABARD Chairman (2025): Shaji K.V.
• IAMAI Established: 2004
• Headquarters of IAMAI: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Theme of Earth Summit 2025-26: Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change
• Inaugural Summit Location: Hyderabad (20–21 November 2025)
• Second Summit Location: Gandhinagar (5–6 December 2025)
• Third Summit Location: New Delhi (February 2026)