National Milk Day 2025 is celebrated on November 26th across India. This day honors the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien . He is globally recognized as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India. The celebration acknowledges the dairy industry's vital role in India's nutritional security. It also highlights its substantial contribution to the country's economic prosperity, especially in rural areas.
National Milk Day 2025 Date
National Milk Day is observed every year on November 26. This date remains constant for National Milk Day 2025. It marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Kurien, born on November 26, 1921. The observance aims to generate awareness about the benefits of milk consumption. It also recognizes the dedication of dairy farmers nationwide.
Why is National Milk Day Celebrated?
This day primarily celebrates Dr. Verghese Kurien and his unparalleled legacy. He successfully spearheaded Operation Flood, known as the White Revolution. This pivotal program established a nationwide network of dairy cooperatives. His work transformed India from a milk-deficient country into a global powerhouse. The day also acknowledges the tireless efforts of dairy farmers.
The Architect of the White Revolution
Dr. Verghese Kurien is universally known as the "Father of the White Revolution." His cooperative model empowered millions of farmers across India. He ensured farmers received a fair price for their produce. His work with the NDDB led to the establishment of the Amul brand. Dr. Kurien's decentralized approach remains a global success story.
The Legacy of Operation Flood
Operation Flood began in 1970 under Dr. Kurien's leadership. Its primary goal was to create a vast supply of milk across India. It established the "Anand pattern" cooperative structure. This system directly links milk producers with urban markets. The program's success made India self-sufficient in dairy production by 1996.
India's Global Dairy Dominance and Key Data
India has been the world's largest milk producer since 1998. The nation now contributes about 25% of the total global milk output. In 2022-23, India's milk production reached 230.58 million tonnes (MMT). The value of this output stands at over ₹11.16 lakh crore. Per capita availability of milk reached 459 grams per day in 2022-23, showing strong domestic consumption.
Empowering Women in the Dairy Sector
The dairy sector is a major source of rural empowerment and income. It provides livelihoods to approximately 8.5 crore rural households. Women play a prominent role in this industry. They constitute nearly 69 percent of the total workforce in livestock and animal husbandry. Cooperative societies often facilitate women taking active leadership roles in management.
Key Government Initiatives for Dairy Development
The Government of India actively supports the dairy sector's growth. Key schemes include the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM). The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) is also crucial. The Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) improves infrastructure.
These initiatives focus on improving productivity and quality. They provide farmers with better veterinary care and modern breeding technologies. They ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for dairy farmers.