Hindu Editorial Analysis : 3-October-2024

India’s dairy industry has experienced a significant change since independence. Once a milk-deficient country, it is now the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, indicating the need for a new initiative: White Revolution 2.0.

About the White Revolution

The White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, began in 1970 under the guidance of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the ‘Father of the White Revolution’. Key aspects of this initiative included:

  • Crossbreeding: Mixing local cows with high-yield exotic breeds.
  • Animal Nutrition: Improving the diet of dairy animals.
  • Milk Processing Infrastructure: Enhancing facilities for processing milk.

As a result, India’s milk production soared from 17 million tonnes in 1950-51 to an astonishing 230.58 million tonnes by 2022-23. The leading milk-producing states are:

  • Uttar Pradesh: 15.72%
  • Rajasthan: 14.44%
  • Madhya Pradesh: 8.73%
  • Gujarat: 7.49%
  • Andhra Pradesh: 6.70%

Notably, indigenous buffaloes contribute 31.94% of total milk production, followed by crossbred cattle at 29.81%.

Challenges Facing the Dairy Industry

Despite progress, several challenges hinder the industry:

  • Low Productivity: The average milk yield per cow in India is low, with exotic cows producing about 8.52 litres per day, compared to nearly 30 litres in the U.S.
  • Growing Demand: Population growth and increased nutritional awareness are driving up demand for milk.
  • Rising Costs: Increasing feed costs and inflation impact milk prices, affecting farmer income.
  • Animal Health: Diseases and inadequate healthcare hinder livestock productivity.
  • Technology Gaps: Lack of education prevents farmers from adopting modern practices.

The Need for White Revolution 2.0

White Revolution 2.0 aims to address these challenges by focusing on cooperative societies, similar to those in the original initiative. Key goals include:

  • Empowering Women Farmers: Providing training and financial access to enhance women’s roles in dairy farming.
  • Boosting Milk Collection: Increasing daily milk procurement from 660 lakh kilograms to 1,007 lakh kilograms by 2028-29.
  • Expanding Cooperatives: Establishing around 56,000 new dairy cooperatives and strengthening 46,000 existing ones.
Funding and Support

The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 2.0 will primarily fund White Revolution 2.0, with full government support assured. Initiatives like the ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ will provide interest-free credit to dairy farmers, enhancing their financial stability.

Technological Advancements and Infrastructure

To improve productivity, the program will introduce modern technologies, such as:

  • Embryo Transfer: Enhances breeding outcomes.
  • Sex-Sorted Semen: Increases the chances of female calves, which are more productive.

Additionally, there will be an emphasis on developing infrastructure for milk collection, processing, and distribution, including:

  • District Cooperative Societies: Strengthening these societies to streamline operations.

Why In News

India’s dairy industry has undergone a remarkable transformation since independence, evolving from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk. This growth is a testament to the hard work and innovation within the sector; however, despite its achievements, the industry faces significant challenges that necessitate a White Revolution 2.0 to ensure its continued success and sustainability.

MCQs about The Transformation of India’s Dairy Industry

Sure! Here’s the MCQ format you requested:
  1. What was the primary goal of the White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, launched in 1970?
    A. To reduce milk prices
    B. To increase milk production
    C. To promote vegetarianism
    D. To export milk to other countries
    Correct Answer: B. To increase milk production
    Explanation: The White Revolution aimed to significantly boost milk production in India through various initiatives like crossbreeding and improving animal nutrition.
  2. Which state is the largest milk producer in India as of 2022-23?
    A. Rajasthan
    B. Uttar Pradesh
    C. Gujarat
    D. Andhra Pradesh
    Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
    Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is the top milk-producing state, contributing 15.72% of India’s total milk production.
  3. What is one of the major challenges facing India’s dairy industry today?
    A. Decreasing demand for milk
    B. Low productivity of dairy animals
    C. Excessive exports of milk
    D. Abundant healthcare for livestock
    Correct Answer: B. Low productivity of dairy animals
    Explanation: The average milk yield per cow in India is relatively low, contributing to a productivity gap that affects supply and pricing.
  4. What initiative will primarily fund the White Revolution 2.0?
    A. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
    B. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 2.0
    C. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
    D. National Animal Disease Control Programme
    Correct Answer: B. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 2.0
    Explanation: The NPDD 2.0 will provide the bulk of the funding needed for the initiatives under White Revolution 2.0, ensuring support for the dairy sector’s growth.

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