- Historic international honour recognises Dr Shah’s transformational leadership in positioning India’s dairy cooperative movement at the forefront of the global circular bioeconomy
- Inaugural ‘Strategic Leadership in the Global Biogas Sector’ award celebrates NDDB’s pioneering work in converting cattle dung into clean energy, organic fertilisers and new income streams for farmers
- Prestigious recognition at the World Biogas Expo 2026 in Birmingham reinforces India’s emergence as a global leader in renewable energy, climate action and sustainable agriculture
- Award-winning initiatives under Dr Shah’s leadership are redefining dairy-led sustainability while advancing energy security, carbon reduction and rural prosperity
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
ANAND, JULY 10
In a landmark moment for India’s dairy cooperative movement and its rapidly expanding clean energy ecosystem, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has become the first-ever recipient of the “Strategic Leadership in the Global Biogas Sector” award instituted by the World Biogas Association (WBA), earning international recognition for his visionary leadership in transforming cattle waste into a powerful engine of sustainable growth, rural prosperity and climate action.
The prestigious inaugural honour was presented during the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2026, held on July 8 at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom, one of the world’s most respected platforms celebrating excellence in the anaerobic digestion and biogas sector.
Instituted by the World Biogas Association, the award recognises exceptional strategic leadership in advancing the global biogas industry. Dr Shah’s selection as its inaugural recipient marks a defining milestone not only for NDDB but also for India’s growing stature as a global champion of the circular bioeconomy.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Meenesh Shah said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the World Biogas Association. This award belongs to millions of dairy farmers and our cooperative institutions who have embraced sustainable practices and demonstrated that dung and agri-residues are not a waste but a valuable resource if utilised in a proper manner.”
He further added: “At NDDB, we remain committed to building a circular dairy economy by transforming cattle dung into clean energy, organic fertilisers, which provides additional income to farmers while contributing to India’s climate commitments and energy security goals.”
Under Dr Shah’s leadership, NDDB has pioneered innovative dairy-led circular economy models that convert cattle dung into biogas, compressed biogas (CBG), thermal and electrical energy, organic fertilisers and carbon credits, enabling dairy farmers to generate additional income while reducing methane emissions, improving soil health and strengthening India’s renewable energy landscape.
NDDB has successfully demonstrated scalable manure-management solutions ranging from household biogas plants and community biogas systems to large-scale commercial CBG projects, while forging strategic collaborations with leading national and international organisations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Jointly organised by the World Biogas Association (WBA) and the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) during the World Biogas Expo, the AD & Biogas Industry Awards are regarded among the highest global honours in the biogas and anaerobic digestion industry, recognising outstanding innovation, sustainability and leadership.
The recognition comes as the World Biogas Association celebrates its 10th anniversary, reinforcing the growing global significance of biogas as a key solution for clean energy generation, sustainable waste management, climate resilience and the transition towards a circular economy.
For India, the honour reflects the increasing international recognition of NDDB’s pioneering efforts in integrating renewable energy with dairy development, empowering millions of rural households while supporting the nation’s long-term environmental and energy security objectives.
