Rural Enterprise Development
Sustainable business models for MSMEs, SHGs, cooperatives, and startups with credit access, market integration, skilling, and value-chain development.
Rural Economic Forum
BUILDING
GLOBAL
PATHWAYS
FOR
RURAL ECONOMY
ANNUAL GLOBAL SUMMIT 2024
17th February 2024 | New Delhi, India
A Global Public–Private Partnership Platform for Rural Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Transformation. Organized by India Chamber in collaboration with Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
About the Summit
Rural Economic Forum (REF) is a flagship initiative of the India Chamber, in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, dedicated to building global pathways for the rural economy. As a Global Public–Private Partnership Platform, REF promotes India as a hub for rural innovation and entrepreneurship by creating a robust ecosystem for transformation and development.
Our Mission
To promote India as a global hub for rural innovations and rural entrepreneurship by building robust rural business ecosystem for transformation of rural economy and shaping the agenda for rural development.
Our Vision
To leverage rural innovations within a rural business ecosystem for fostering economic growth, sustainability, and the overall well-being of rural communities through global partnerships and collaborations.
Our Platform
A platform for Government-to-Government interactions, Business-to-Government meetings, Business-to-Business engagements, helping stakeholders secure investments and showcase opportunities.
Intended Impact of REF
The intended impact of the Rural Economic Forum (REF) is to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven and inclusive rural economy by building a globally competitive rural business ecosystem. REF aims to enable the transformation of India's rural sector into a future-ready, self-reliant and innovation-led economy by promoting:
- Development of rural enterprises and micro industries.
- Enhancing access to finance, markets and technology for rural entrepreneurs.
- Strengthening sustainable livelihood creation and employment generation.
- Fostering collaborations between government, industry, and academia for rural transformation.
- Promoting India as a global hub for rural innovations and sustainable business practices.
- Empowering rural youth and women through innovation, skilling, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Encouraging green and circular economy initiatives for long-term ecological balance.
REF's intended outcomes are aligned with India's vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and the national goal of inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive economic growth.
Smart & Sustainable Gaushala (SSG)
A Flagship Green Initiative of India Chamber under REF
The Smart & Sustainable Gaushala (SSG) is a flagship green initiative of India Chamber launched under the Rural Economic Forum to revolutionize the traditional gaushala ecosystem through the integration of technology, sustainability, and economic viability.
Objective
To transform gaushalas into Smart and Sustainable Units that can serve as rural innovation hubs, generating livelihood opportunities, enhancing rural bio-economy, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Concept
The SSG model is built upon the principles of smart resource management, waste-to-wealth generation, and rural entrepreneurship. It integrates:
- ✓ Renewable energy adoption (biogas, solar, waste management).
- ✓ Smart IoT-based monitoring for animal health and productivity.
- ✓ Creation of bio-based products (organic fertilizers, bio-CNG, manure, etc.).
- ✓ Sustainable dairy and by-product utilization.
- ✓ Skill development and livelihood support for rural youth and women.
Impact
- ✓ Reduction in carbon footprint through renewable and bio-based processes.
- ✓ Empowerment of rural communities through skill development and income generation.
- ✓ Conservation of indigenous cattle breeds and rural biodiversity.
- ✓ Promotion of rural innovation and self-reliance.
- ✓ Contribution to India's sustainable development and green economy goals.
Key Highlights of the Summit
Understanding AI in Rural Economy
Understanding the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving the future of India's rural economy through smart solutions and digital transformation.
Launch of Smart & Sustainable Gaushala
Launch of the Smart & Sustainable Gaushala (SSG) — India Chamber's flagship green initiative revolutionizing the traditional gaushala ecosystem.
Empowering MSMEs & Rural Entrepreneurs
Empowering MSMEs and Rural Entrepreneurs through inclusive financial growth models, policy support and access to markets.
Global Partnerships for Rural Development
Global Partnerships for Rural Development, enabling collaboration between international development agencies, government bodies, and private stakeholders.
Innovation & Sustainability
Promoting Innovation and Sustainability in Rural Bharat, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Building Resilient Supply Networks
Building resilient global supply networks to integrate rural businesses into international value chains and promote 'Local for Global'.
Summit Sessions
Transformative discussions shaping the future of rural economy
Session I — Disruption and Innovation
Driving the Future of Rural Bharat
Focus on AI, digitalization, and sustainable innovation shaping India's rural future. Exploring emerging technologies transforming rural communities.
Session II — Smart & Sustainable Gaushala Launch
SSG Model Introduction
Introduction of the SSG model — India's first integrated green gaushala ecosystem. Unveiling the blueprint for sustainable rural bio-economy.
Session III — Rural Financing and Inclusive Growth
Scaling Business
Deliberations on innovative financing, credit access, and MSME empowerment. Exploring mechanisms to scale rural businesses and enterprises.
Session IV — Atma Nirbhar Bharat
Rural Industrialisation and Localised Manufacturing
Discussions on scaling rural industries, promoting Make in India, and driving local production for self-reliance.
Session V — Supply Chain Development
Rural Entrepreneurship
Strategies to strengthen rural supply chains, logistics, and digital marketplace access for building resilient global networks.
Additional Engagements
B2G, B2B & Investor Meets
State-specific sessions, investor pitch sessions, round table meetings, and partnership collaborations driving rural transformation.
Distinguished Speakers & Delegates
Global leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of rural economy
Hon. Narayan Rane
Union Minister for MSME, Government of India
Nitin Pangotra
President and CEO, India Chamber
Bertrand Badre
CEO and Founder, Blue Orange Capital | Former MD, World Bank
Hon. Lakhan Lal Dewangan
Cabinet Minister for Industry, Chhattisgarh
Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji
President and Spiritual Head, Permarth Niketan
Dr. Amit Mehndiratta
Professor, IIT and AIIMS, Delhi
Dr. Senthil Kumaran
Professor, Biomedical Engineering, AIIMS, Delhi
Dr. Ravinder Singh
Sr. Scientist ICMR and Head for Assistive Technologies
Prof. Dharmendra Singh
Professor, IIT Roorkee
Pavan Guntupalli
Founder, Rapido
Shekhar Mundra
Chairman, Maharashtra Cow Service Commission
Aman Jain
Director - Public Policy, Amazon India
Paras Arora
Partner, EY
Dr. Ashish Gautam
Founder, Divya Prem Sewa Mission
Dr. Sahajanand Parshad
Past President, Indian Medical Association
Strategic Pillars
Three foundational pillars driving rural transformation
Rural Industrialisation
Scaling rural technologies and manufacturing clusters including agro-based industries, food processing, handicrafts, and village industries.
Rural Innovation & Digital Ecosystem
Smart villages, digital public infrastructure, AI for rural development with tech incubators, innovation hubs, and grassroots innovators.