White Revolution 2.0, Objective, History, Status of Milk Production

White Revolution 2.0 is a transformative initiative launched by the Ministry of Cooperation on 19 September 2024. It aims to enhance milk production, empower women farmers, and strengthen the dairy infrastructure in India.

As White Revolution 2.0 targets to boost milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next 5 years, UPSC aspirants must be familiar with this scheme. Read on to learn more!

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What is White Revolution 2.0?

White Revolution 2.0 is an expanded version of the original White Revolution (1970-2000), which transformed India from a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer. It is a renewed effort by the Indian government to revitalize the dairy sector through technological advancements, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices. 

Here is an overview of White Revolution 2.0:

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White Revolution 2.0 Aim

The primary objectives of White Revolution 2.0 include:

• Increase Milk Production: The initiative targets a 50% increase in milk procurement by dairy cooperatives, aiming to boost daily procurement from 660 lakh liters to 1,000 lakh liters within the next five years.

• Empower Women Farmers: Recognizing the significant role women play in the dairy sector, the program focuses on empowering them by providing better support and opportunities for women dairy farmers.

• Strengthen Dairy Infrastructure: A major emphasis is placed on improving infrastructure related to milk collection, processing, and distribution to ensure efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain.

• Boost Dairy Exports: The initiative aims to enhance production quality, enabling Indian dairy products to compete in global markets and boosting exports, which in turn will benefit farmers and contribute to the national economy.

History of White Revolution in India

The original White Revolution, known as Operation Flood, was launched in 1970 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This initiative transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the world's largest milk producer by 1998, surpassing the United States. 

Operation Flood created a national milk grid, linking producers to consumers across over 700 towns and cities, reducing seasonal and regional price variations, and ensuring that producers received a major share of the profit by eliminating middlemen.

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Father of White Revolution

Dr. Verghese Kurien is often hailed as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India due to his role in this transformation. As the founder of Amul and the chairman of NDDB, Dr. Kurien's visionary leadership and innovative strategies, such as the development of milk powder from buffalo milk, were instrumental in the success of Operation Flood.

Milk Production in India

Milk production in India has experienced significant growth over the past few decades. India is the largest milk-producing country in the world, with a total milk production of 239.30 million metric tonnes in 2023-24.

• Currently, the per capita milk availability is 471 grams per day in India (2023-24). 

• India is also the largest milk-consuming country. It is estimated that in 2019, the total consumption of milk and milk products in India was 162.4 million metric tonnes (this includes both household and non-residential consumption).

• Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk-producing state in India, with a production of 38,780,000 tonnes of milk in 2023-24.

• The total production has seen a 63.56% increase over the last 10 years.

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Dairy Cooperatives in India

Dairy cooperatives in India play a crucial role in the country's dairy industry by empowering millions of small farmers, improving their livelihoods, and contributing significantly to rural development. As per latest data, around 2.35 lakh dairy cooperative societies have been established or strengthened. 

Some major dairy cooperatives in India include:

1. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) also known as Amul, established in 1946.

2. Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd (Nandini), established in 1974.

3. Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd (Aavin), established in 1969.

4. Pune District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd (PDCPUL), also known as Country Delight, was founded in 1959.

5. Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Milma) established in 1980.

Animal Husbandry Schemes in India

The Indian government has launched several schemes to support animal husbandry and dairy development:

• National Livestock Mission: Launched in 2014–15, this mission has four sub-missions and aims for overall development of the livestock sector, including improvement in feed and fodder. 

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: This mission focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds to enhance milk production and productivity. 

• National Animal Disease Control Program: Launched to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, this program aims to eradicate these diseases by 2030.

• e-Pashu Haat Portal: Launched to organize the livestock market in India, this web portal provides essential information to farmers and dairy entrepreneurs.

• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): Launched in 2014-15, is designed to strengthen the dairy sector by improving infrastructure for milk production, procurement, processing, and marketing.

• Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO): Part of the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), offers financial assistance to dairy cooperatives and FPOs.

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): Extended until 2025-26 with a financial allocation of Rs. 29,610.25 crore, incentivizes investments in dairy processing, diversification of products, and infrastructure development in the animal husbandry sector. 

These schemes, along with initiatives under White Revolution 2.0, are designed to create a sustainable dairy sector in India.

In conclusion, White Revolution 2.0 represents a strategic effort to modernize India's dairy industry, ensuring its sustainability and competitiveness in the global market. By focusing on technological innovation, quality enhancement, and farmer empowerment, this initiative aims to build upon the successes of the past and address the challenges of the future.

To delve deeper into such transformative initiatives and their implications, consider exploring the comprehensive courses offered by PW UPSC!