India’s journey in the dairy sector is a remarkable story of transformation. From a nation struggling with milk shortages post-independence to becoming the world’s largest milk producer, the evolution of India’s dairy industry reflects resilience, innovation, and cooperative strength. Central to this success was the visionary leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien and the launch of Operation Flood in 1970, which ushered in the White Revolution. This transformation not only ensured self-sufficiency in milk production but also empowered millions of rural households, particularly women, while driving sustainable economic growth. Today, India contributes over 25 per cent of global milk production, showcasing the success of its cooperative model and government initiatives aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring nutritional security for its population.
Evolution: From Deficit to Surplus
Post-independence, India faced a dire milk shortage, with per capita consumption dropping to a meager 107 grams per day by 1970. Despite being home to the largest cattle population globally, milk production stagnated at 21 million tonnes annually. However, the launch of Operation Flood in 1970 marked a turning point, transforming India into the world’s largest milk producer by 2020-21, contributing 23% of global output. Milk availability rose significantly, with per capita consumption increasing to 459 grams per day in 2022-23.
The Anand Pattern and Operation Flood
Inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s visit to Anand, Gujarat, in 1964, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established in 1965 under Dr. Verghese Kurien’s leadership. Operation Flood, launched in 1970, implemented the “Anand Pattern,” organizing cooperative societies at the village, district, and state levels. The three-phase programme expanded milk production, strengthened infrastructure, and connected farmers to urban markets via a National Milk Grid. By its conclusion in 1996, 73,000 cooperatives were operational, empowering 10 million farmers.
The Impact of the White Revolution
Operation Flood revolutionized the Indian dairy industry. It eliminated middlemen, stabilized milk prices, and established India as a self-reliant milk producer. Genetic improvements in livestock enhanced productivity, and surplus production enabled exports. By 2020-21, India produced over 210 million tonnes of milk annually, with an impressive annual growth rate of 3.83 per cent. Rural livelihoods flourished, with the sector becoming a primary income source for 80 million households, empowering women and breaking social barriers.
National Milk Day: Honouring Dr. Verghese Kurien
Celebrated on November 26, National Milk Day honors Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution,” who was born on this day in 1921. His vision transformed India into a global dairy leader. The day acknowledges milk’s vital role in nutrition, rural empowerment, and economic growth. The National Gopal Ratna Awards, conferred annually, recognize outstanding contributions to the dairy sector.
Dr. Verghese Kurien: The Father of the White Revolution
Dr. Verghese Kurien, born on November 26, 1921, in Calicut (now Kozhikode), Kerala, was a visionary who revolutionized India’s dairy industry. His remarkable journey began when he was assigned to Anand, Gujarat, on May 13, 1949, as part of a government obligation. Initially working in a government creamery, he soon realized the plight of local milk farmers and became determined to empower them. Along with others, he initiated the Milk Cooperative movement, which led to the formation of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd (KDCMPUL), later famously known as Amul.
Dr. Kurien spearheaded the White Revolution in India through the transformative “Operation Flood” program, which turned the country into the largest producer of milk in the world. Under his leadership, several critical institutions were established, including the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). These organizations not only uplifted millions of dairy farmers but also set a benchmark for cooperative models globally.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Kurien received numerous accolades for his contributions. He was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1963, followed by the Padma Shri in 1965, Padma Bhushan in 1966, and Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Other notable awards include the Krishi Ratna Award in 1986 and the prestigious World Food Prize in 1989. His relentless dedication and innovative approach made him a pioneer in rural development and a true architect of a self-reliant India.
Government Initiatives and Future Prospects
The government has supported the dairy sector with initiatives like the National Dairy Plan and empowerment schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana and Start-Up India. Recent efforts under the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ have further boosted productivity and sustainability. With sustained growth in milk production and processing, India’s dairy industry continues to be a cornerstone of rural and economic development.
Operation Flood: Transforming India’s Dairy Landscape
India’s dairy revolution, spearheaded by Operation Flood, transformed the nation into the world’s largest milk producer. Phase I (1970–1980) utilised donations of skimmed milk powder and butter oil from the European Economic Community, channeling funds into dairy development through the World Food Program. Phase II (1981–1985) saw a massive expansion, increasing milk-sheds from 18 to 136 and urban markets to 290, ultimately benefiting over 43,000 village cooperatives. Phase III (1985–1996) cemented the infrastructure, adding 30,000 dairy cooperatives and reaching 73,000, ensuring a sustainable system that continues to empower millions of milk producers.
Major Achievements for India in Livestock and Dairy Sector
Global Leadership in Milk Production
India has maintained its position as the world’s largest milk producer since 1998. Currently, it contributes 25% to the global milk production, a remarkable achievement in the agricultural sector. In 2022-23, milk production reached 231 million metric tons (MMT), generating a value of output amounting to ₹11.16 lakh crore. This highlights India’s pivotal role in ensuring food security and economic growth.
Livelihood Support for Rural Households
The dairy and livestock sectors provide livelihoods to 8.5 crore rural households across the country. This employment opportunity is crucial for improving the socio-economic status of rural populations and empowering women, who play a significant role in dairy farming.
Growth in Bovine Population
India has seen a steady increase in its bovine population: The total bovine population grew from 29.96 crore in 2012 to 30.22 crore in 2019, marking a growth of 0.86 per cent.
More notably, the in-milk bovine population witnessed a significant rise from 8.3 crore in 2014 to 10.48 crore in 2023, representing a 26.26 per cent increase. This reflects advancements in animal husbandry practices and improved productivity.
Artificial Insemination (AI) Initiative
Under the National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP), free AI services are provided at farmers’ doorsteps in 605 districts:
- 7.13 crore animals have been covered so far.
- 8.74 crore artificial inseminations have been performed.
- 4.06 crore farmers have benefited.
This initiative has contributed to enhanced reproductive efficiency in livestock and increased milk yields.
Promotion of Advanced Reproductive Technologies
- India is fostering modern reproductive technologies to enhance genetic improvement:
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): 22 IVF labs have been established nationwide.
- Sex Sorted Semen: 10 million doses have been produced, with 70 lakh doses distributed for artificial insemination. This helps in increasing the population of high-yielding female calves.
Introduction of MAITRIs
Over the past three years, 38,736 Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) have been inducted to ensure the delivery of doorstep veterinary services. This initiative bridges the gap between technology and farmers, making livestock services more accessible.
Progeny Testing and Breed Multiplication Farms
To strengthen genetic improvement: 3,700 progeny-tested bulls were produced in the last three years, nearing the 5-year target of 4,000 bulls. 142 breed multiplication farms were sanctioned, surpassing the target of 125 farms over five years. These farms play a key role in preserving and improving indigenous cattle breeds.
Digital Transformation: Bharat Pashudhan Ecosystem
The Bharat Pashudhan digital ecosystem, developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on March 2, 2024. This system aims to digitize livestock management across the country.
Key Highlights
Over 34 crore transactions have been recorded through frontline workers (FLWs), showcasing extensive utilization of digital tools for livestock data management.
These achievements highlight India’s commitment to modernizing its livestock and dairy sectors while supporting rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.
Women in Dairying
The role of women in dairying is integral, as they perform the majority of tasks related to this sector. Their responsibilities encompass fodder collection, feeding, cleaning, milking, watering, and managing the overall health and welfare of livestock. Additionally, women are actively involved in household-level milk processing and its marketing. Dairying has long been seen as a viable avenue for poverty alleviation and employment generation, particularly in drought-prone and rain-fed regions. The livestock and animal husbandry sector stands out in terms of gender equity, with women making up about 69% of its workforce, showcasing their dominance in this field.
Leadership in Dairy Cooperatives
The active participation of women in dairy cooperative business and governance is critical to the growth and sustainability of the sector. Women are increasingly being encouraged to take leadership roles within the management committees of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) and the boards of milk unions. Notable examples include the Ichhamati Cooperative Milk Union in West Bengal and the Mulukanoor Women’s Mutually Aided Milk Producers Cooperative Union in Andhra Pradesh, both of which are entirely managed and governed by women. These cooperatives exemplify the potential of women-led governance in dairying.
Women-Centric Milk Producer Organisations
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has facilitated the establishment of 22 Milk Producer Organizations (MPOs) across the country, with 15 being exclusively for women. These organizations are led by women dairy farmers, who serve as Producer Directors on their respective boards. Collectively, these MPOs consist of 8.7 lakh dairy farmers spread across 22,277 villages, with women comprising 71 per cent of the members. Among these, 65 per cent are smallholder milk producers, highlighting the critical role of women in sustaining dairy production at the grassroots level. These efforts demonstrate the transformative impact of empowering women in the dairy industry.
Key Government Initiatives Supporting Dairy Development
The Government of India has launched several initiatives to support dairy development, focusing on enhancing milk production, improving productivity, and boosting rural livelihoods. Prominent programs include the National Dairy Plan (NDP), Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). Additionally, schemes like A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for dairy farmers aim to empower rural communities by ensuring better access to resources and infrastructure.
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), initiated in 2014, plays a pivotal role in conserving indigenous breeds, upgrading bovine genetics, and enhancing milk productivity. Continued under the revised realigned schemes from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026, RGM adopts advanced technologies to achieve sustainable growth in milk production. The program aims to propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls, expand artificial insemination coverage, and promote scientific and holistic practices in indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing. These measures ensure that milk production becomes more remunerative for farmers.
As part of the RGM, funds have been allocated for the establishment of 16 Gokul Grams, integrated indigenous cattle development centers. These centers focus on the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific manner. The objectives include enhancing productivity, promoting eco-friendly practices like green power, providing balanced nutrition and animal healthcare, and encouraging the use of modern farm management practices. Gokul Grams also aim to optimize common resource management and propagate the use of draught animal power through innovative technologies.
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) aims to enhance the quality of milk production and distribution by establishing and strengthening infrastructure, including cold chain systems. This initiative facilitates efficient milk collection, processing, and delivery, ensuring a direct connection between farmers and consumers. The program promotes the development of sustainable dairy practices and supports the livelihood of dairy farmers.
Supporting Dairy Cooperatives (SDCs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
In response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on the dairy sector, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying introduced an “Interest Subvention on Working Capital Loans for Dairy Sector” component. This initiative provides a 2 per cent per annum interest subvention on secured working capital loans, enabling Dairy Cooperatives and FPOs to recover and sustain their operations. By offering financial relief, the program aims to stabilize and strengthen the dairy economy.
Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
The Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) focuses on creating, strengthening, and modernizing milk chilling and processing plants, along with facilities for producing value-added dairy products. This fund supports the dairy industry in improving efficiency and productivity while enabling farmers to access advanced processing technologies.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) operates through three sub-missions:
a) Breed Development: Promoting genetic improvement and enhanced productivity of livestock and poultry.
b) Feed and Fodder Development: Ensuring the availability of quality feed and fodder for livestock health and productivity.
c) Innovation and Extension: Encouraging innovative practices and providing extension services to farmers.
Together, these efforts enhance the livestock sector’s sustainability and profitability.
Livestock Insurance
The Livestock Insurance scheme safeguards farmers from financial losses caused by the untimely death of their animals. By providing risk coverage, this program ensures that farmers can recover quickly and continue their operations without significant setbacks.
Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC)
The Livestock Health and Disease Control program is dedicated to maintaining the health of livestock by preventing and managing diseases. It ensures the adoption of advanced healthcare practices, thus reducing morbidity and mortality in animals.
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
With a budget allocation of ₹15,000 crores, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) aims to boost the sector by supporting the establishment of modern infrastructure. This includes facilities for meat processing, animal feed plants, and dairy-related enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Animal Husbandry
Introduced in 2019, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was extended to animal husbandry farmers, enabling them to access working capital at low interest rates. This move empowers farmers to meet their operational needs effectively, contributing to the growth of the livestock sector.
National Dairy Plan Phase-1 (NDP-I)
The National Dairy Plan Phase-1 (NDP-I) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at increasing milk production and improving productivity of dairy animals in India. It focuses on enhancing the genetic potential of bovines and promoting scientific feeding practices. The scheme is implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and serves as a key step toward strengthening the dairy sector and ensuring the sustainable livelihood of millions of farmers.
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)
The Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) is designed to encourage self-employment opportunities in dairy farming. It supports entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance for setting up dairy farms, milk collection centers, and other related activities. This scheme not only fosters entrepreneurship but also contributes to rural development and the growth of the dairy sector.
Dairy Sahakar Scheme
Launched by Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, on October 31, 2021, the Dairy Sahakar Scheme aims to strengthen the dairy sector through cooperative efforts. With a total investment of ₹5,000 crore, this scheme is implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Ministry of Cooperation. It provides financial support to cooperatives for activities such as milk procurement, processing, quality assurance, value addition, and marketing. The scheme aligns with the government’s objectives of “Doubling Farmers’ Income” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” by promoting convergence with other government initiatives and encouraging public-private partnerships.
Milk Quality Initiatives
To achieve global standards in milk production and ensure its traceability, the Quality Milk Programme was launched on July 24, 2019. This initiative aims to improve the quality of milk for domestic consumption and increase India’s share in global dairy exports. The program plays a vital role in meeting consumer expectations and enhancing the reputation of Indian dairy products on the global stage.
e-GOPALA App
The e-GOPALA app, introduced in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a digital platform for livestock owners to improve their productivity. It serves as a marketplace and information portal for advanced breed selection, health monitoring, and dietary management of cattle. This app empowers farmers by providing real-time guidance and resources, making it a crucial tool for modernizing livestock management and boosting rural incomes.
National Milk Day celebrates the visionary leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India’s White Revolution. It is a tribute to the farmers, cooperatives, and pioneers who transformed India into a self-reliant dairy giant. As the world’s leading milk producer, India exemplifies the power of cooperative spirit and rural empowerment, ensuring nutritional security and a brighter future for millions.
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