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Picture Courtesy: PIB

Context:

National Milk Day, observed on 26th November, marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution,” honouring millions of farmers whose dedication sustains India’s leadership in milk production.

What is White Revolution?

The White Revolution refers to the rapid and large-scale development of India’s dairy sector, transforming the country from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer. It is called the “White Revolution” because it mirrors the “Green Revolution” in agriculture, but focuses specifically on milk and dairy products, the white-coloured symbol of nutrition and livelihood. 

Evolution of India’s Dairy Sector:

Pre-Independence and Early Post-Independence Era (Before 1965)

• India had one of the largest cattle populations in the world, yet milk production was low.
• Milk shortages were common, and the country relied heavily on imports.
• Traditional dairy farming was largely small-scale, unorganized, and local, with minimal infrastructure for production, collection, or distribution.
• Per-capita milk availability was low, limiting nutrition and food security. 

Birth of Modern Dairy Movement (1960s–1970)

• Inspired by the success of the Anand cooperative model (Amul) in Gujarat, the government sought to replicate it nationally.
• 1965: National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established with Verghese Kurien as chairman.
• Focus was on:
  • Organizing farmers into village-level cooperatives
  • Strengthening milk collection, processing, and marketing
  • Introducing basic breeding and veterinary services
• The foundation for a cooperative-based dairy economy was laid. 

Operation Flood and the White Revolution (1970–1990s)

• 1970: Launch of Operation Flood, the world’s largest dairy development program.
• Key objectives:
  • Increase milk production in rural areas
  • Develop infrastructure for collection, chilling, processing, and marketing
  • Link milk surplus areas to urban demand centers
• Achievements:
  • India transformed from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer
  • Cooperatives empowered millions of small farmers, especially women
  • Institutionalized cold chain and cooperative marketing systems 

Expansion and Consolidation (1990s–2010)

• Rapid growth of cooperative federations and private dairy companies.
• Introduction of modern dairy technologies: pasteurization, UHT milk, milk powder production, and advanced veterinary care.
• Focus on genetic improvement, artificial insemination, and herd management.
• Dairy became a major contributor to rural incomes, enhancing food security and nutrition.

Recent Developments and Modernization (2010–Present)

• Milk production rose from 146 million tonnes (2014-15) to 239 million tonnes (2023-24).
• Programs such as:
  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission (conservation of indigenous breeds)
  • National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP)
  • National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
• Emphasis on:
  • Scientific breeding and progeny testing
  • Expanding cooperative networks and women-led producer organizations
  • Modern infrastructure for processing, testing, and marketing
  • GST reforms reducing taxation to boost competitiveness
  • White Revolution 2.0 for sustainability, efficiency, and employment generation 

Current Status of dairy sector in India:

• Milk production grew 56% from 146.3 million tonnes (2014-15) to 239.3 million tonnes (2023-24). (Source: PIB)
• Per-capita milk availability increased from 124 g/day to 471 g/day. (Source: PIB)
• India’s 76 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak) form the backbone of the dairy economy, with productivity growing 27.39% between 2014 and 2022, the highest globally. (Source: PIB)
• Indigenous cow milk production rose from 29 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes.

Picture Courtesy: PIB

What is the significance of Indian dairy sector?

Pillar of rural livelihoods: The dairy industry forms a critical support system for rural India, contributing over 6% of the national GDP and providing livelihoods to more than 80 million farmers. It accounts for 12–14% of agricultural income, making it a stable source of revenue for households across the country.

Ensuring nutrition for all: With a per-capita milk availability of 471 grams per day, India surpasses the global average of 322 grams. Milk delivers high-quality protein, calcium, and Vitamin B12, playing a vital role in combating malnutrition, anaemia, and stunting, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.

Driving women’s participation: Women are central to India’s dairy ecosystem, forming around 35% of cooperative members and leading 48,000 women-run societies. Their engagement not only boosts household income but also promotes inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and rural development.

Strengthening integrated farming: India’s vast livestock population, including 303.76 million bovines and 74.26 million goats, supports integrated agriculture by providing organic manure for crops and biogas for energy. This creates a synergistic system that enhances soil fertility, reduces energy costs, and strengthens farm sustainability.

Promoting sustainability and climate action: Initiatives such as the Gobar-Dhan scheme enable farmers to convert animal waste and crop residues into bio-CNG and organic fertilizers, creating new income streams.

How dairy development is contributing to inclusive growth?

Empowering small and marginal Farmers: Dairy farming provides a steady source of income for small and marginal farmers, often supplementing crop income. Programs like Operation Flood and NPDD connect farmers to organized markets, ensuring fair prices and reducing exploitation by middlemen.

Promoting Women’s Economic Participation: Women constitute about 70% of the dairy workforce and lead thousands of women-run cooperatives and milk producer organizations whereas schemes like White Revolution 2.0 and Rashtriya Gokul Mission prioritize women’s enrollment, training, and decision-making, boosting gender equity and household welfare.

Inclusive Rural Employment: Dairy cooperatives create local jobs in milk collection, processing, transportation, and veterinary services, especially in areas with limited industrial opportunities.

Bridging Regional Disparities: Dairy development programs focus on milk-deficient and backward regions, integrating them into the national dairy economy. 

What are the challenges of dairy sector in India?

Low productivity of indigenous breeds: India’s cattle population is the largest in the world, but productivity per animal is significantly below the global average. Indigenous breeds often yield 2–3 liters/day, compared to crossbred cows producing 8–10 liters/day. As per NDDB data, bovine productivity grew by 27.39% between 2014–2022, but 70% of breedable animals still rely on scrub bulls with unknown genetic merit, limiting long-term productivity gains.

Inadequate access to veterinary and breeding services: Rural and remote areas often lack timely veterinary care, AI services, and reproductive technologies. In Bihar’s Gaya district, farmers reported calf mortality rates of 15–20% due to delayed vaccination and poor AI services. 

Feed and Fodder Scarcity: Availability and quality of green fodder and concentrated feed remain major constraints. Seasonal variations, land scarcity, and climate change affect feed security. In Rajasthan and Haryana, prolonged heatwaves and droughts in 2022 reduced fodder availability, resulting in a drop in milk yields by 15–20%. 

Fragmented and unorganized supply chains: cooperatives dominate organized dairying, unorganized markets still handle 40–50% of milk, leading to inefficiencies.

Climate change and environmental Stress: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity threaten dairy production. Heat stress reduces feed intake, milk yield, and fertility. Research by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) shows that temperature above 30°C can reduce milk yield in cows by 10–20%. 

What are the government initiatives for dairy sector?

What are the way forwards for dairy sector?

Enhance Productivity and Breed Improvement: Expand scientific breeding programs using AI, sex-sorted semen, and progeny-tested bulls. Focus on improving indigenous breeds while maintaining genetic diversity.

Strengthen Feed and Fodder Security: Promote year-round fodder cultivation and silage production. Encourage nutrient-rich and locally available feed resources to reduce dependence on expensive commercial feeds.

Expand Veterinary and Health Services: Ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage against diseases like FMD and Brucellosis. Strengthen rural veterinary outreach through mobile clinics and trained technicians.

Modernize Infrastructure and Supply Chains: Invest in cold chain logistics, milk testing labs, and processing plants across rural and semi-urban regions. Encourage digital monitoring systems for milk quality, procurement, and distribution.

Embrace Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Scale up Gobar-Dhan and bioenergy programs for waste-to-wealth conversion. Promote organic manure, biogas, and renewable energy integration on farms.

Conclusion:

India’s dairy sector has evolved from small-scale, unorganized milk production to a globally leading, cooperative-driven industry. Through initiatives like Operation Flood, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, NAIP, and White Revolution 2.0, the sector has enhanced milk production, productivity, and rural livelihoods, particularly empowering women. Challenges like low productivity, feed scarcity, disease, and climate stress remain, but with technology adoption, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices, India is poised to strengthen nutritional security, economic growth, and global competitiveness in dairy.

Source: PIB