NDDB, TERI and SRDI inks MoU to improve rural livelihoods

NEW DELHI, 20 June 2024: The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Suzuki R&D Center India Pvt. Ltd (SRDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collectively advance initiatives in renewable energy, circular economy, rural development and waste management.

This collaboration aims to improve rural livelihoods by assisting stakeholders in generating carbon credits through mitigation measures, exploring mechanisms for carbon credit exchange and developing methodologies and tools for assessing carbon footprints of rural livelihood activities. All three organizations will also collectively undertake comprehensive studies, assessments, training programmes and share research and training facilities to further the objectives of MoU. 

The MoU was signed in presence of Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, NDDB; Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI and Mr Kenichiro Toyofuku, Director, SRDI. The partners also agreed to jointly represent their collaborative research, methods, findings and policy solutions at various forums to promote sustainable rural development. 

Emphasizing the importance of this collaboration, Dr Vibha Dhawan in her welcome address said that since its establishment in 1974, TERI has been deeply committed to sustainable development. “By blending our knowledge and research with practical experience, we provide viable solutions to the challenges of sustainable development. The partnership with NDDB and SRDI will enable us to expand our efforts in promoting sustainable practices in rural areas. Through research, training and capacity building, we empower farmers and rural communities to embrace eco-friendly methods and contribute to a circular economy,” she highlighted.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Meenesh Shah stated that this MoU represents a significant milestone towards sustainable rural development. “By combining our strengths and resources, we are ready to develop innovative solutions that will not only improve rural livelihoods but also promote environmental sustainability.

Our collaborative efforts in renewable energy, waste management and carbon credit mechanisms will lead to a greener and more prosperous future for rural communities and propel India towards net zero dairying,” he added.

Kenichiro Toyofuku informed that SRDI, as an Indian subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, is focused on technology development for mobility and achieving carbon neutrality. He further added, “One of our key objectives is to adopt clean fuels like dung-based biogas for mobility. This MoU with NDDB and TERI is a noteworthy step towards deeper engagement with the dairy sector, helping us achieve sustainability goals for both the automotive and dairy industries. Together, we can drive  innovative solutions that benefit the environment and rural livelihoods.”

The newly signed MoU outlines the roles of NDDB, TERI and SRDI in promoting sustainability and improving rural livelihoods. NDDB will support surveys and pilot initiatives by leveraging its rural network. Collaborating with TERI and SRDI, NDDB will assist in generating carbon credits and providing technical expertise. TERI will conduct assessments with focus on carbon credits and pilot projects, aligning their efforts with sustainability goals. SRDI will support assessments by linking with national and international entities, as well as assisting in carbon credit quantification. Additionally, SRDI will encourage innovative solutions for sustainability in the dairy sector.