Explainer: National Milk Day — How India Became the World’s Largest Milk Producer
National Milk Day honors Dr. Verghese Kurien and India’s journey from milk scarcity to becoming the world’s largest milk producer through cooperative reforms.
Introduction (Hook)
On November 26 each year, India pauses to honor a quiet revolution—one not powered by machines or armies, but by millions of rural households and a legendary engineer who believed milk could change a nation. National Milk Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary behind India’s White Revolution, and celebrates the transformation that turned a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest dairy producer.
Context & Background: The Man Who Built a Movement
Born in 1921 in Kozhikode, Kerala, Dr. Kurien arrived in Gujarat as a young engineer with little connection to dairy farming. Yet it was here, working alongside local farmers in Anand, that he laid the foundation of a cooperative model that would reshape India’s rural economy.
In the 1950s and 60s, despite having one of the world’s largest cattle populations, India struggled with chronic milk shortages. Production hovered at less than 21 million tonnes annually, and per capita consumption dropped to 107 grams per day by 1970—among the lowest globally and far below recommended nutritional standards. The country relied heavily on milk powder imports, while rural producers remained trapped under middlemen and low earnings.
That changed in 1964 when Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri visited Anand. Impressed by the cooperative success there, he recommended creating the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to replicate the “Anand Pattern” nationwide. Dr. Kurien became its founding chairman in 1965, ushering in a new era of farmer-led dairy development.
Main Developments: The White Revolution & India’s Rise to Dairy Leadership
Operation Flood: The Game-Changer
Launched in 1970, Operation Flood—often described as the world’s largest dairy development programme—connected rural milk producers to urban consumers through a nationwide grid. Implemented in three phases until 1996, the programme helped create:
- 73,000 village-level milk cooperative societies
- 170 milk sheds
- 9 million dairy-producing households
- A National Milk Grid serving 700 towns and cities
This system ensured fair prices for farmers, eliminated exploitative middlemen, and made quality milk available year-round for consumers.
Economic Upliftment & Modernization
Operation Flood not only increased production by 40 million tonnes but also generated an estimated annual gain of ₹30,000 crore. Millions of small, marginal, and landless farmers began relying on dairy as a primary income source. Crossbreeding initiatives improved the genetic potential of cattle, while processing plants and cold chains expanded the supply network.
From Scarcity to Surplus
India’s dairy sector witnessed consistent growth:
- Milk production in 2021–22: 222.07 million tonnes
- Milk production in 2022–23: 230.58 million tonnes
- Annual growth rate: 3.83%
Today, India accounts for 25% of global milk production, surpassing the United States and holding the top position worldwide.
Expert Insight & Public Reaction
Dairy economists often describe India’s cooperative model as a “silent socioeconomic revolution.” According to agricultural analysts, the White Revolution remains one of the most successful examples of community-led development anywhere in the world.
Rural development experts emphasize that Dr. Kurien’s model empowered farmers by ensuring ownership—“from cow to consumer.” Meanwhile, many nutritionists credit dairy accessibility for improving protein intake in Indian households, especially in rural regions.
Public sentiment around National Milk Day often centers on pride. For many Indians, milk is not just a commodity—it symbolizes the strength of rural enterprise and the power of collective action.
Impact & Implications: A Growing Sector with New Challenges
Government initiatives fueling dairy growth
India continues to strengthen its dairy ecosystem through flagship schemes such as:
- National Dairy Plan (NDP)
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production)
- Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for Dairy Farmers
These programs aim to boost livestock productivity, enhance genetic improvement, modernize processing, and improve rural incomes.
Future challenges
As demand for dairy rises, the sector faces hurdles including climate stress, fodder shortages, and the need for sustainable waste management. Experts note that the next leap for dairy may depend on adopting climate-smart practices, improving cattle health services, and strengthening cold-chain logistics.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Revolution That Still Shapes India
National Milk Day is more than a tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien—it is a reminder of how innovation, cooperation, and vision can reshape a nation. What began in a small Gujarat town now empowers millions of rural families and feeds a nation of over a billion people.
India’s dairy story is still unfolding. But its foundation—built through the White Revolution—remains a testament to what is possible when farmers are placed at the center of development.
Disclaimer :This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Data mentioned is based solely on the information provided in the prompt. No external sources were used.