National Milk Day: Celebrating India’s Dairy Legacy
National Milk Day: Celebrating India’s Dairy Legacy
Overview
National Milk Day is celebrated annually on November 26 in India, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the “Father of the White Revolution.” This day honors his pivotal role in transforming India’s dairy sector and promoting milk consumption across the nation. The observance serves not only as a tribute to Dr. Kurien’s legacy but also as a platform for raising awareness about the nutritional benefits of milk and its economic significance.
Historical Context of National Milk Day
The inception of National Milk Day dates back to 2014, when the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), along with the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) and 22 state-level milk federations, decided to dedicate this day to Dr. Kurien. His contributions were instrumental in launching Operation Flood in the 1970s, a landmark initiative aimed at creating a nationwide milk grid and making India self-sufficient in milk production. This initiative significantly increased milk output and improved the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers across the country.
The White Revolution in India: Achievements, Drawbacks, and Impact on Small-Scale Farmers
The White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, was a transformative initiative launched in India during the 1970s, aimed at making the country self-sufficient in milk production. Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the movement not only revolutionized dairy farming but also significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape of rural India. This article explores the achievements of the White Revolution, its drawbacks, and its effects on small-scale farmers.
Objectives and Phases of the White Revolution
The primary objectives of the White Revolution were to:
– Increase milk production and make India self-sufficient.
– Improve rural incomes and create employment opportunities.
– Establish a nationwide milk grid to connect producers with consumers.
The initiative unfolded in three phases:
1. Phase I (1970-1981): Focused on establishing dairy cooperatives in ten states.
2. Phase II (1981-1985): Expanded the cooperative model to more regions and improved infrastructure.
3. Phase III (1985-1996): Aimed at enhancing milk production through technology and better management practices.
Achievements of the White Revolution
The White Revolution led to remarkable achievements, including:
– Surge in Milk Production: India’s milk production skyrocketed from approximately 17 million tonnes in 1950 to over 230 million tonnes by 2022, making it the largest milk producer globally.
– Rural Economic Development: The revolution provided a sustainable source of income for millions of small-scale dairy farmers, fostering rural prosperity and reducing poverty.
– Improved Nutrition: Increased availability of milk contributed to better nutrition, particularly among children, combating malnutrition in rural areas.
– Empowerment of Women: The initiative encouraged women’s participation in dairy farming, enhancing their economic independence and decision-making roles within households.
Drawbacks of the White Revolution
Despite its successes, the White Revolution faced several challenges:
– Environmental Concerns: The intensification of dairy farming raised issues like overgrazing and water pollution, leading to ecological sustainability concerns.
– Focus on Exotic Breeds: The emphasis on cross-breeding with high-yielding exotic breeds resulted in a decline of indigenous cattle populations, which are often better suited to local conditions.
– Infrastructure Issues: Inadequate infrastructure for cold storage, transportation, and veterinary services limited the full potential of milk production and distribution in many rural areas.
– Economic Disparities: While many small farmers benefited, larger farmers with more resources capitalized on opportunities more effectively than smaller ones, leading to economic disparities within the sector.
Impact on Small-Scale Farmers
The White Revolution had profound implications for small-scale farmers:
– Increased Income Stability: By eliminating middlemen through cooperative structures, small farmers received fair prices for their milk, leading to improved income stability.
– Access to Resources: Cooperatives provided access to veterinary services, artificial insemination, and training programs that enhanced productivity and animal health.
– Empowerment through Cooperatives: Small farmers gained a collective voice through cooperatives, allowing them to negotiate better terms and participate actively in decision-making processes.
However, challenges remained for many small-scale farmers:
– Dependence on Cooperative Efficiency: The success of individual farmers often depended on the efficiency of their cooperative societies. Mismanagement or political interference could hinder their performance.
– Limited Adoption of Technology: Many small farmers struggled with adopting advanced technologies due to lack of awareness or resources, limiting their productivity gains.
Milk Production Achievements
1. Production Volume:
– In the fiscal year 2022-23, India produced approximately 230.58 million metric tonnes (MMT) of milk, marking a significant increase from 221.1 MMT in 2021-22. This represents a growth rate of 3.83% compared to the previous year[1][2][5].
– Projections suggest that milk production will reach about 236.35 MMT in 2023-24, reflecting a growth of 2.5% over the previous year.
2. Per Capita Availability:
– The per capita availability of milk in India stands at 459 grams per day, which is substantially higher than the global average of 322 grams per day.
3. Livestock Population:
– India boasts a robust livestock population of approximately 536.76 million, including around 303.76 million bovines and 74.26 million goats, making it the world’s largest livestock owner.
4. State Contributions:
– Major milk-producing states include Uttar Pradesh (15.72%), Rajasthan (14.44%), Madhya Pradesh (8.73%), and Gujarat (7.49%), which together contribute significantly to the national output.
Global Standing and Exports
– India contributes about 25% to the world’s total milk production, far surpassing other leading producers like the United States and China. For instance, India’s production is nearly 50% higher than that of the US and more than three times that of China.
– In terms of exports, India exported approximately 63,738 MT of dairy products worth around ₹2,260.94 crores (approximately USD 272.64 million) during 2023-24. Major export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Singapore, and Bhutan.
Economic Impact
The dairy sector is a crucial component of India’s agricultural economy:
– It contributes about 5% to India’s GDP and provides direct employment to over 80 million farmers.
– The cooperative model has played a pivotal role in this success, with around 18 million dairy farmers participating in cooperative societies across approximately 230,000 villages.
Life of Dr. Verghese Kurien
Dr. Verghese Kurien, born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala, is celebrated as the “Father of the White Revolution” in India. His visionary leadership and innovative approaches transformed the Indian dairy sector, making it the largest milk producer in the world. This article explores his life, achievements, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Education
Verghese Kurien was born into a well-to-do family; his father was a civil surgeon. He completed his undergraduate studies in science at Loyola College in Chennai and later graduated in engineering from Guindy College of Engineering. In pursuit of further education, he received a government scholarship to study dairy engineering at Michigan State University, where he earned his master’s degree in 1948.
Career Beginnings
After returning to India, Kurien was assigned to run an experimental creamery at Anand, Gujarat. In 1950, he helped establish the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, which later became known as Amul. This cooperative model was designed to empower local dairy farmers by linking them directly to consumers, thereby eliminating exploitative middlemen.
The White Revolution
In the late 1960s, Kurien conceptualized Operation Flood, a landmark initiative aimed at increasing milk production across India. This program was funded through a combination of foreign aid and domestic resources, amounting to approximately ₹1,700 crores over 25 years. Operation Flood focused on:
– Establishing dairy cooperatives to ensure fair prices for farmers.
– Creating a national milk grid to facilitate efficient distribution.
– Enhancing milk production through improved veterinary services and technology.
As a result of these efforts, India’s milk production surged from 17 million tonnes in 1950 to over 230 million tonnes by 2022, making India the world’s largest milk producer by 1998. The cooperative model pioneered by Kurien not only increased milk availability but also provided millions of rural families with stable incomes.
Contributions Beyond Dairy
Kurien’s influence extended beyond dairy farming. He initiated projects in other agricultural sectors, such as:
– The Oilseeds Grower’s Cooperative Project, which linked oilseed producers directly with consumers.
– A pilot project for the procurement and marketing of fruits and vegetables in Delhi.
He also founded the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in 1979 to train professionals for managing rural cooperatives effectively.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Kurien received numerous accolades for his contributions to agriculture and rural development:
– Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1964)
– World Food Prize (1989)
– Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award (1999)
– International recognition as an influential figure in dairy development globally.
Legacy
Dr. Verghese Kurien passed away on September 9, 2012, but his legacy endures through the cooperative movement he championed. His work not only transformed India’s dairy industry but also served as a model for cooperative movements worldwide. The principles he established continue to empower farmers and improve livelihoods across rural India.
In recognition of his contributions, National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 each year, coinciding with his birth anniversary. This day serves as a reminder of Kurien’s vision and dedication to uplifting millions through cooperative efforts in agriculture.
Dr. Verghese Kurien’s life is a testament to how visionary leadership can drive significant social change. His commitment to empowering farmers through cooperative models has left an indelible mark on India’s agricultural landscape, making him a revered figure not just in India but around the world.
Source: PIB
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