In a significant step towards sustainable rural development, 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) on June 11th, 2024. This collaboration aims to drive initiatives in renewable energy, circular economy, rural development, and waste management.
The focus of this partnership lies in improving rural livelihoods. The MoU outlines ways to assist stakeholders in generating carbon credits through mitigation measures. It also emphasizes exploring mechanisms for carbon credit exchange and developing tools to assess the carbon footprint of rural activities.
Joint Efforts for Sustainable Solutions
The three organizations plan to undertake comprehensive studies, assessments, and training programs to achieve the MoU’s objectives. Additionally, they will share research and training facilities to further their collaborative efforts.
Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of NDDB, highlighted the importance of this MoU, stating it represents a significant milestone towards achieving 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,” Dr. Shah said.
Focus on Renewable Energy, Waste Management, and Carbon Credits
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to sustainable development since its establishment in 1974. “The partnership with NDDB and SRDI will enable us to expand our efforts in promoting sustainable practices in rural areas,” Dr. Dhawan stated.
Collaboration for a Greener Future
Mr. Kenichiro Toyofuku, Director of SRDI, spoke about the company’s focus on technology development for mobility and achieving carbon neutrality. He highlighted the MoU’s significance for deeper engagement with the dairy sector, aiming for sustainability goals in both the automotive and dairy industries.
This MoU signifies a collaborative effort between NDDB, TERI, and SRDI to leverage their expertise for a greener future. NDDB will contribute its rural network for surveys and pilot initiatives, while collaborating on technical expertise and carbon credit generation. TERI will focus on assessments related to carbon credits and pilot projects, aligning with sustainability goals. SRDI will play a role in linking with national and international entities for assessments, carbon credit quantification, and encouraging innovative solutions for sustainability in the dairy sector.
This collaboration holds promise for creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for rural communities in India.