Anand, Gujarat | January 2, 2026 — In a significant move for the Indian dairy sector, the Government of India has extended the tenure of Dr Meenesh Shah as Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for an additional three and a half years. The announcement reinforces the government’s confidence in Dr Shah’s leadership, which has been pivotal in steering India’s dairy development agenda, combining institutional rigour with a farmer-first vision.
With over 39 years of experience in the dairy industry, Dr Shah has been at the forefront of policy, technology, and cooperative development initiatives that have shaped the modern Indian dairy landscape. Since assuming leadership at NDDB, he has been instrumental in advancing a holistic approach to dairy sector growth—emphasising sustainable farming practices, enhanced milk procurement systems, and value chain integration.
Dr Shah’s extension comes at a time when India’s dairy sector is navigating critical transitions—ranging from climate resilience and technology adoption to market diversification and cooperative strengthening. His continued leadership ensures stability and long-term vision in addressing these evolving challenges.
In its announcement, NDDB commended Dr Shah for his “exemplary leadership,” particularly in championing institutional frameworks that empower farmers while aligning the sector with national priorities on nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable growth. Under his guidance, NDDB has also expanded its role in supporting state-level milk federations and dairy cooperatives, many of which have witnessed operational and productivity gains during his tenure.
Industry observers see the extension as a positive signal for continuity and confidence, especially at a time when the Indian dairy industry is poised for renewed growth. With India remaining the largest milk producer globally, NDDB’s role under Dr Shah’s stewardship is expected to focus increasingly on value-added dairy products, digital integration, and supply chain efficiency, while addressing emerging consumer demands and international trade dynamics.
The NDDB community and stakeholders across the dairy ecosystem have welcomed the decision and expressed their best wishes for Dr Shah’s continued service.