But the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides came at a huge cost, both to the environment and health, leading to growing interest in organic farming, combining the latest science with traditional techniques to produce nutritious food without damaging the soil.
“It’s a win-win situation,” says Amit Singh, Chief Sustainability Officer at Nature Bio Foods, referring to a business model in which thousands of Indian farmers produce high-quality, sustainable food for consumers, while being well compensated for doing so.
Award winners
On Sunday, the company, an Indian social enterprise, won a ONE World Innovation Award, in recognition of its “farm-to-table” approach to sustainability, which involves ensuring that every aspect of food production, from planting to harvesting, processing and transportation, is as sustainable as possible.
“In the last three years alone, we have reduced our carbon emissions by introducing various innovations and scientific solutions, such as solar energy, and methods to reduce methane emissions from rice production,” Mr Singh said.
The company is helping nearly 100,000 small farmers get to market, with profits reinvested in initiatives that benefit the community, such as clean water and funding for schools.
Find the perfect match
This success would not be possible without the partnerships Nature Bio Foods has forged in both the public and private sectors.
The company works closely with the Indian government and as they look to expand their operations, the United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO) is helping them with technological expertise and investments.
Mr. Singh was speaking at the Partnership and Investment Day of the Global Industry Summit, UNIDO General Conference, held in Riyadh from 23 to 27 November.
The Day highlighted pioneering initiatives and presented cutting-edge digital solutions that could transform the industry in developing countries.
Appropriately, Mr Singh had to interrupt his conversation with UN News in order to meet with some of the many investors who have been invited to the event, an example of the pairing taking place all week.
A humanoid AI robot walks the halls of the UNIDO Global Industry Summit 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How does AI smell without a nose?
A common thread that connected many of the Partnership Day sessions was the use of AI to help different partners find sustainable solutions.
“It’s not about ChatGPT or CoPilot or Deep Seek. It’s about how AI can solve the real-world problems we face on the ground,” explains Jason Slater, head of AI and innovation at UNIDO, while taking a short break between sessions.
Their job is to find ways to access technology to support the Global South. “For example, we are working with a startup that has developed an AI chip that can smell food: it learns what it is and identifies where there is waste so the company can change its production process and be more efficient.
AI, says Mr Slater, also plays a crucial role in bringing together development actors, such as the private sector, the United Nations, government and academia, helping them define problems more easily, connect the dots and find solutions.
“Whether it is shrimp farming in Vietnam or smart manufacturing in Tunisia, the UN is a trusted partner in a world where new technologies are emerging rapidly. Member States know that as technology hits the market at a good pace, we follow ethical principles, ensuring that no one is left behind and that safety barriers are in place.”