White Revolution 2.0 in India, History, Objective, Origin

A major transformation was seen with India's dairy sector with the launch of White Revolution 2.0 by the Ministry of Cooperation on September 19, 2024. This initiative is focused on increasing milk production, enhancing productivity, and improving dairy infrastructure across the country.

In 2023-24, milk production reached 239.30 million metric tonnes, a 63.56% rise over the past decade. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk, India continues to strengthen its dairy sector. White Revolution 2.0 is expected to promote self-reliance and global competitiveness, ensuring an efficient dairy industry.

White Revolution 2.0

The Ministry of Cooperation launched White Revolution 2.0 on September 19, 2024, to enhance milk production, productivity, and dairy infrastructure across India. Building on the legacy of Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution, which made India the world’s largest milk producer, this initiative focuses on increasing the dairy farming, supporting cooperative societies, expanding milk processing capacity, and improving farmers’ incomes. This initiative of White Revolution 2.0 aims to make India’s dairy industry more efficient and globally competitive.

White Revolution Origin

The original White Revolution, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milkman of India,” transformed India’s dairy industry in the 1970s. It marked the rise of the cooperative movement, ensuring self-sufficiency in milk production and turning India into the world’s largest producer of milk. This revolution not only improved rural livelihoods but also laid the foundation for a dairy sector, making milk an essential part of India’s economy and nutrition.

Dairy Sector of India

The Dairy Sector of India focuses on breeding, raising, and utilizing dairy animals, primarily cows, for milk production. This milk is processed into a variety of dairy products such as butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. India’s dairy industry plays a significant role in the economy, contributing 5% to the national GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of farmers. Below is a detailed table highlighting key aspects of the Dairy Sector of India and White Revolution 2.0:

White Revolution 2.0 Objectives

The White Revolution 2.0 aims to transform the Dairy Sector of India with a comprehensive approach focusing on production, empowerment, infrastructure, and exports.

1. The initiative targets a 50% rise in milk procurement by dairy cooperatives. It aims to increase daily milk collection from 660 lakh liters to 1,000 lakh liters within five years.
2. Women play an important role in dairy farming, and this program seeks to provide better opportunities, training, and financial support to women in the sector.
3. Focus on modernizing milk collection, processing, and distribution to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
4. Improving production quality to compete in global markets and expand dairy exports, benefiting farmers and strengthening the national economy.

White Revolution in India History

The original White Revolution, known as Operation Flood, was launched in 1970 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). It transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest milk producer by 1998, surpassing the United States. This initiative created a national milk grid, connecting producers to consumers across 700+ towns and cities, reducing seasonal and regional price fluctuations. By eliminating middlemen, it ensured that dairy farmers received a larger share of the profits, making dairy farming a sustainable source of income. Operation Flood not only made India self-sufficient in milk production but also laid the foundation for the modern dairy industry, making way for White Revolution 2.0.

Milk Production in India

India has seen substantial growth in milk production, making it the largest milk producer globally. In 2023-24, the country produced 239.30 million metric tonnes of milk, marking a 63.56% increase over the last decade. Along with production, India also leads in milk consumption, with an estimated 162.4 million metric tonnes consumed in 2019 across households and industries. The per capita milk availability stands at 471 grams per day as of 2023-24. Among states, Uttar Pradesh ranks first in milk production, contributing 38.78 million tonnes. 

Milk Production and Per Capita Availability

In 2023-24, India’s milk production reached 239.30 million metric tonnes, reflecting a 63.56% growth over the past decade. The per capita milk availability currently stands at 459 grams per day, highlighting the nation’s strong dairy sector and its role in meeting the growing demand for milk and dairy products.

Dairy Cooperatives in India

Dairy Cooperatives in India play an important role in India's dairy sector by empowering millions of small farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and contributing to economic growth. According to the latest data, around 2.35 lakh dairy cooperative societies have been established or strengthened across the country. Some of the major dairy cooperatives in India include:

1. Amul (GCMMF) – Established in 1946, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation is India’s largest dairy cooperative.
2. Nandini (Karnataka Cooperative Milk Federation) – Founded in 1974, it supports dairy farmers in Karnataka.
3. Aavin (Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Federation) – Operating since 1969, it supplies milk across Tamil Nadu.
4. Country Delight (PDCPUL) – Established in 1959, Pune District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd supports dairy farmers in Maharashtra.
5. Milma (Kerala Cooperative Milk Federation) – Set up in 1980, it oversees dairy development in Kerala.

White Revolution 2.0 FAQs

Q1. What is the White Revolution 2.0 article?

Ans. White Revolution 2.0 is an initiative launched on September 19, 2024, to boost milk production, enhance productivity, and strengthen India’s dairy infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.

Q2. What is the second White Revolution of UPSC?

Ans. White Revolution 2.0, launched on September 19, 2024, aims to boost milk production, improve dairy infrastructure, strengthen cooperatives, enhance livestock breeding, and promote modern dairy farming techniques in India.

Q3. What is the White Revolution in India?

Ans. The White Revolution in India, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer, boosting rural livelihoods and ensuring dairy self-sufficiency.

Q4. What is called White Revolution?

Ans. The White Revolution refers to the rapid increase in milk production in India, initiated by Dr. Verghese Kurien, making India the world’s largest milk producer.

Q5. What is the blue revolution?

Ans. The Blue Revolution refers to the rapid growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in India, aimed at increasing fish production, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security. It played a crucial role in transforming India into one of the largest producers of fish.