Launched in 1970, the White Revolution, or Operation Flood, was a groundbreaking initiative in India spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board. Focused on enhancing the dairy industry and mitigating the milk deficit, it successfully increased production and uplifted small-scale dairy farmers. The program utilized cooperatives, modern techniques, and crossbreeding, transforming India into the world’s leading milk producer. Through strategic surplus creation and linking rural producers with urban markets, the White Revolution showcased the impact of collective action and technology in achieving agricultural self-sufficiency while improving farmers’ socio-economic conditions.
The White Revolution, or Operation Flood, was a transformative initiative in India during the 1970s, focused on revolutionizing the dairy industry. Coined for its goal of enhancing milk production and upgrading dairy farming, this endeavor was spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), led by Dr. Verghese Kurien. The initiative aimed to address India’s milk shortage and elevate the livelihoods of small-scale dairy farmers.
The White Revolution involved the formation of cooperatives, the provision of modern technology, veterinary services, credit facilities, and the promotion of crossbreeding indigenous cows with high-yielding foreign breeds. Through a three-phase strategy and creating links between rural producers and urban markets, the White Revolution turned India into the world’s largest milk producer, profoundly impacting the socio-economic conditions of millions of farmers.
History of the White Revolution in India
The White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, had its origins in the late 1960s when India faced a severe shortage of milk and dairy products. The government recognized the need to increase milk production and improve the lives of small-scale dairy farmers. In 1970, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien to spearhead the White Revolution. The program was implemented in three phases.
The first phase, initiated in 1970, focused on developing model dairy cooperatives in select regions to showcase the potential of the cooperative model. These cooperatives were equipped with modern technology and received technical support from the NDDB. The success of the initial phase led to the expansion of the program in the second phase, which aimed to replicate the model in other parts of the country.
New cooperatives were formed, and farmers were educated on improved dairy farming practices. The final phase involved establishing linkages between rural milk producers and urban markets, ensuring a fair price for farmers’ milk, and creating a reliable supply chain for dairy products.
The White Revolution employed various strategies to increase milk production. One key aspect was the introduction of crossbreeding programs, which involved breeding indigenous cows with high-yielding foreign breeds such as Holstein and Jersey. This helped improve the genetic potential of the Indian cattle population and increase milk yields. Additionally, the program emphasized the organization of farmers into cooperatives, which provided them with access to veterinary services, modern equipment, and credit facilities.
This enabled small-scale dairy farmers to collectively pool their resources and benefit from economies of scale. The impact of the White Revolution was remarkable. India transformed from a milk-deficient nation to becoming the largest milk producer in the world. Milk production increased significantly, ensuring a steady supply of dairy products to meet the growing demand of the population. The program empowered small-scale dairy farmers by providing them with a reliable source of income and improved their socio-economic conditions. The cooperative model promoted by the White Revolution not only improved milk production but also fostered community development and social cohesion.
Overall, the White Revolution played a pivotal role in shaping India’s dairy industry and had a profound impact on the lives of millions of farmers. It stands as a remarkable example of successful agricultural development, emphasizing the importance of cooperative models, technology adoption, and government support in transforming a sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The primary objective of the White Revolution, or Operation Flood, was to address the milk deficit in India and make the country self-sufficient in milk production. The program aimed to achieve this objective through various means:
By achieving these objectives, the White Revolution aimed to transform India’s dairy industry, increase milk production, and improve the livelihoods of small-scale dairy farmers.
The White Revolution, or Operation Flood, holds immense importance in the context of India for several reasons:
Overall, the White Revolution played a pivotal role in revolutionizing India’s dairy industry, improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers, and ensuring a sustainable and self-sufficient milk production system. Its impact on rural development, employment generation, and reduction of dependence on imports makes it a landmark initiative in India’s agricultural history.
The world's largest dairy development initiative, known as the "White Revolution," was launched by India in 1970 under the direction of Dr. Verghese Kurien.
The White Revolution was one of the most significant dairy movements introduced by the Indian government in 1970.
The White Revolution was introduced in India by Dr Verghese Kurien who is known as the Milkman of India. He was the one to drive Operation Flood or White Revolution.
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