UN Summit: Indian Social Enterprise Nature Bio Foods Wins Global Innovation Award for Organic Farming
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Ministry of Commerce and Industry
The UNIDO Global Industry Summit held in Riyadh in November 2025 highlighted the critical role of responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable partnerships in transforming economies across the Global South. A significant highlight for India was the recognition of Nature Bio Foods, an Indian social enterprise, which won the ‘ONE World Innovation Award’. The enterprise was lauded for its sustainable “farm-to-table” organic farming model that engages over 100,000 smallholder farmers, offering a viable, low-carbon alternative to the resource-intensive legacy of the Green Revolution.
The summit also showcased futuristic innovations, such as an AI-enabled chip capable of “smelling” food to identify waste, demonstrating how deep-tech can drive industrial efficiency. Discussions emphasized the need to mobilize investment for green industries and ensure that digital transformation remains inclusive to prevent widening wealth gaps.
Policy Relevance: The global recognition of Indian social enterprises validates the economic viability of organic farming as a scalable export model. It reinforces the strategic importance of India’s current push for “natural farming” and presents an opportunity for India to lead South-South cooperation initiatives in sustainable agriculture and agritech.
What is the “Global South”?→ The Global South refers to a grouping of countries primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, generally characterized by lower income levels, dense populations, and distinct historical and political marginalization relative to the wealthier, industrialized nations of the “Global North.”
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India systematically scale its successful “social enterprise” models in agriculture to create a standardized, export-oriented framework for other developing nations?
Follow the full news here: UN summit showcases solutions for transforming the Global South