A WHITE REVOLUTION LEADING GLOBAL MILK PRODUCTION

India's milk production is driven by initiatives like artificial insemination, distribution of over 70 lakh sex-sorted semen doses, and establishment of 22 IVF labs to enhance livestock productivity.

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India, the world's largest producer of milk, continues to exemplify the transformative potential of a well-managed and robust dairy sector. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India's milk production surged by 4% to 239.30 million tonnes from 230.58 million tonnes in the previous year. This growth is not just a statistical milestone; it reflects the resilience and productivity improvements within the nation's dairy framework.

GENESIS OF THE WHITE REVOLUTION

In the years following independence, India grappled with severe milk shortages, leading to substantial imports to meet domestic demand. The dairy industry was largely unorganized, with traditional practices resulting in low productivity. Recognizing the critical need for self-sufficiency in milk production, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched Operation Flood in 1970. This ambitious program aimed to create a nationwide milk grid, linking rural producers with urban markets, thereby eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices for both farmers and consumers.

PHASES OF OPERATION FLOOD

Operation Flood was executed in three distinct phases:

Phase I (1970-1980): Funded by the sale of skimmed milk powder and butter oil donated by the European Economic Community, this phase focused on establishing dairy cooperatives in 18 milk sheds and connecting them to major metropolitan markets. The initiative facilitated the setting up of "Mother Dairies" Kolkata, and Chennai, ensuring a steady supply of milk to urban consumers.

Phase II (1981-1985): This phase expanded the network to 136 milk sheds and increased the number of urban markets to 290. By 1985, approximately 43,000 village cooperatives were established, encompassing over 4.25 million milk producers. Domestic milk powder production saw a significant rise, reducing dependence on imports and promoting self-reliance.