Highlights of EARTH Summit 2025: Innovations for Rural Development

EARTH Summit 2025: A Leap Towards Rural Empowerment

Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the EARTH Summit 2025 on December 5-6, 2025, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This summit marked the second edition in a series aimed at enhancing rural development and the economy. During the event, Shah launched over 13 new services and products that focus on agricultural advancement and cooperative governance.

Key Highlights of the Summit

The summit was co-organized by NABARD and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI). Key products and services launched include:

• Digi Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
• Campaign Sarathi
• Website Sarathi
• Cooperative Governance Index (CGI)
• Electronic Primary Agricultural Credit Society (ePACS)
• World’s Largest grain storage Application
• Shiksha Sarathi
• Sarathi Technology

Objectives of EARTH Summit 2025

The main objective of this summit is to provide practical solutions for rural development and bolster the rural economy. Key dignitaries present included Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and leaders from various agricultural cooperatives.

Future Editions and Announcements

During the event, Amit Shah announced that the next edition of the EARTH Summit will take place in Delhi in 2026. He also unveiled plans for establishing cooperative institutions in every Panchayat, aiming to expand membership to over 50 crore individuals and enhance the cooperative sector's GDP contribution.

Innovative Services Under Sahakar Sarathi

Among the notable services launched, Digi KCC automates the issuance and management of Kisan Credit Cards, while ePACS provides a unified digital infrastructure for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. Other initiatives include:

• Sahakar Setu Portal: A digital platform for cooperative banks for streamlined loan processes.
• Cooperative Governance Index (CGI): A framework for assessing governance quality in cooperative banks.
• World’s Largest Grain Storage Application: A digital tool for grain storage management.
• Campaign Sarathi: A platform for outreach and awareness in the cooperative sector.

Enhancing cooperative banking

The Government of India plans to collaborate with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish a robust cooperative banking framework. This includes launching 'Cooperative Insurance' to integrate various insurance services under one umbrella. The initiative aims to support direct farmer payments and enhance India's share in the global organic market by 2035.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What was the main focus of EARTH Summit 2025?
Answer: The EARTH Summit 2025 aimed to enhance rural development and empower the rural economy through innovative services and cooperative initiatives launched by the Government of India.

Q2. What are some key services launched at the summit?
Answer: Key services include Digi Kisan Credit Card, Campaign Sarathi, Cooperative Governance Index, and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application, all aimed at improving agricultural practices and cooperative governance.

Q3. Who inaugurated the EARTH Summit 2025?
Answer: The summit was inaugurated by Union Minister Amit Shah, representing the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation.

Q4. Where will the next EARTH Summit be held?
Answer: The next edition of the EARTH Summit is scheduled to be held in Delhi in 2026, as announced by Amit Shah during the event.

Q5. What is the significance of the Cooperative Governance Index?
Answer: The Cooperative Governance Index is designed to assess and standardize the governance quality across cooperative banks, enhancing transparency and accountability in the sector.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary aim of the EARTH Summit 2025?
A) To promote urban development
B) To enhance rural economy and development
C) To increase agricultural exports
D) To improve industrial policies
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which product is designed to automate Kisan Credit Card management?
A) Campaign Sarathi
B) Digi KCC
C) ePACS
D) Sahakar Setu Portal
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Who announced the establishment of cooperative institutions in every Panchayat?
A) Bhupendra Patel
B) Jetha Bhai Ahir
C) Amit Shah
D) Shaji K.V.
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which organization co-organized the EARTH Summit 2025?
A) NABARD
B) IMAI
C) RBI
D) Both A and B
Correct Answer: D