Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-January-2024
India’s White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, is one of the most significant developments in the nation’s agricultural history. Initiated by Verghese Kurien in 1970, it transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer. However, it is now important to focus on the demand side of the dairy sector to ensure that milk reaches vulnerable populations across the country.
About the White Revolution
Operation Flood was launched by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to create a nationwide milk grid connecting producers to consumers. This initiative helped increase milk production and eliminated middlemen, ensuring fair prices for both producers and consumers. The program proceeded in three phases:
- Phase I (1970–1980): Linked 18 milk-producing regions to urban markets, funded by donations of skimmed milk powder and butter oil.
- Phase II (1981–1985): Expanded the number of milk sheds to 136, reaching 290 urban markets. This phase created a self-sustaining system with 43,000 village cooperatives.
- Phase III (1985–1996): Focused on consolidating the cooperative movement and improving animal health, further boosting milk productivity.
Key Outcomes of the White Revolution
India is now the largest milk producer in the world, with 230.58 million tons produced annually. It accounts for 25% of the global milk production. The per capita milk availability in India is approximately 459 grams per day. Major milk-producing states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh contribute more than half of the country’s total milk production.
Milk has become an essential part of nutrition, offering various health benefits like strengthening bones, supporting cognitive development, and boosting immunity.
Disparities in Milk Consumption
Despite the success of the White Revolution, access to milk remains unequal across different regions and socio-economic groups:
- Households in wealthier income deciles consume significantly more milk than those in lower income brackets.
- Rural areas and some states like Bihar and Odisha have lower milk consumption than dairy-rich states like Punjab and Gujarat.
- Poor families often cannot afford milk regularly, making it a luxury rather than a staple.
Key Challenges to Equitable Milk Access
Several factors contribute to the unequal distribution of milk:
- Income disparities: Milk becomes unaffordable for poorer households, especially with rising prices.
- Regional production imbalances: Milk production is concentrated in certain states, creating supply shortages in others.
- Cultural barriers: In regions where milk is not traditionally part of the diet, its consumption remains low.
- Infrastructure issues: Poor cold storage and transportation facilities lead to milk spoilage and limited distribution.
Solutions to Bridge the Milk Divide
To ensure more equitable access to milk, several strategies can be implemented:
- Strengthen dairy infrastructure: Encourage cooperative farming and improve cold storage facilities in underdeveloped regions.
- Subsidize milk for low-income families: Government programs can help provide affordable milk to vulnerable populations, especially through school meal programs.
- Promote dairy alternatives: Encourage the availability of affordable dairy products like fortified milk powder, especially in areas with low milk consumption.
- Increase awareness: Launch educational campaigns to inform communities about the nutritional benefits of milk.
Government Initiatives Supporting Dairy Development
Several government schemes aim to improve the dairy sector and ensure access to milk:
- National Dairy Plan (NDP) and Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) focus on increasing dairy productivity and supporting farmers.
- POSHAN and ICDS programs include milk as part of their nutrition offerings to children and pregnant women.
- Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) provide financial support to dairy farmers.
Why In News
For a long time, India has celebrated the incredible supply-side success of its White Revolution, initiated by Verghese Kurien, which transformed the nation into the world’s largest milk producer. However, it is now crucial to shift focus to the demand side, ensuring that milk reaches the most vulnerable populations, as disparities in access and affordability persist despite the growth in production.
MCQs about The White Revolution and Its Impact on India’s Dairy Industry
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What was the main objective of India’s White Revolution (Operation Flood)?
A. To increase milk prices in urban areas
B. To create a nationwide milk grid linking producers to consumers
C. To reduce milk consumption in rural areas
D. To eliminate dairy farming in rural regions
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Which of the following states are major contributors to India’s total milk production?
A. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra
B. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
C. West Bengal, Goa, Bihar
D. Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh
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What is one of the key challenges in ensuring equitable milk access in India?
A. Excessive milk production in all states
B. High consumption of milk in rural areas
C. Disparity in income and access to affordable milk
D. Low protein content in milk
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Which government initiative aims to support dairy farmers and improve milk production in India?
A. National Dairy Plan (NDP)
B. Digital India Program
C. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
D. Swachh Bharat Mission
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