The White Revolution in India, also known as “Operation Flood,” was a major development in the Indian dairy industry that transformed it into one of the world’s largest milk producers. This initiative, which started in the 1970s, was spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien and aimed at creating a nationwide milk grid. It involved a series of programs to increase milk production, improve rural incomes, and provide fair prices for consumers.
Read below this comprehensive article to learn about the White Revolution in India, its history, phases, features, objectives, and significance.
White Revolution In India
What is the White Revolution in India?
The “White Revolution,” also known as “Operation Flood,” was a significant dairy development project initiated in 1970 by Verghese Kurien, a renowned agricultural scientist in India. Its primary objectives were to make milk accessible and affordable for everyone and to improve the economic conditions of small-scale farmers. This groundbreaking campaign led to the creation of numerous job opportunities for previously unemployed workers and played a pivotal role in enhancing rural infrastructure. Under the guidance of Dr. Kurien, India ascended to become the top milk-producing nation globally. The National Dairy Development Board and Amul were instrumental in this transformation, setting up cooperatives across the country, revolutionizing the way milk was procured, and equipping farmers with advanced technology, thereby significantly increasing milk production.
History Of White Revolution India
The White Revolution in India, a significant transformation in the dairy sector, was marked by a series of initiatives that aimed to improve milk production, support rural development, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Intensive Cattle Development Programme (1964-1965)
- Before the formal initiation of the White Revolution, the Indian government introduced the Intensive Cattle Development Programme (ICDP) in 1964-1965. This program was a precursor to the more comprehensive Operation Flood and served as a foundational step in transforming India’s dairy sector.
- Objective: The ICDP aimed to provide cattle owners with a comprehensive package of improved animal husbandry practices. This included better breeding, feeding, and health care for cattle.
- Implementation: The program was implemented through various cattle development centers across the country, focusing on enhancing the genetic quality of cattle and improving milk yield.
Launch of Operation Flood (1970)
Operation Flood, launched in 1970, was a landmark initiative spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to accelerate the pace of the White Revolution in India.
- Nationwide Milk Grid: The core objective of Operation Flood was to establish a nationwide milk grid, connecting milk producers across rural India with urban markets. This initiative was designed to ensure a consistent and fair supply of milk across the country.
- Rural Development Focus: The program was not just about increasing milk production but also about rural development. It aimed to empower rural farmers, particularly small-scale producers, through cooperative societies.
Indira Gandhi’s Inaugural Gesture (1970)
The White Revolution gained significant momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On October 2, 1970, in Motihari, Bihar, Mrs. Gandhi personally inaugurated the movement in a symbolic gesture that underscored the national importance of this initiative.
Importation of Cows: To mark the beginning of this transformative journey, 100 cows were imported from New Zealand and introduced in Bihar. This was a strategic move to improve the genetic stock of the local cattle population and enhance milk production.
Accessibility and Nutrition: The underlying aim of this gesture was to ensure that even low-income households had access to milk at fair prices, thereby improving their nutritional intake.
Comprehensive Efforts: The White Revolution encompassed a broad range of efforts, from developing better marketing infrastructure and improving cattle conditions to raising nutritional standards for consumers across India.
Different Phases of the White Revolution in India
The White Revolution, implemented through Operation Flood, was a pivotal movement in India’s dairy sector, executed in three distinct phases. Each phase had specific objectives and strategies that contributed to the overall success of the program.
Phase I (1970-1980)
Funding Source: Financial support was primarily through the sale of butter oil and skimmed milk powder, which were donated by the European Union and sold under the World Food Program.
Urban Focus: The initial phase concentrated on improving the marketing of milk in metropolitan areas.
Duration: This phase extended over a decade, laying the groundwork for subsequent expansions.
Phase II (1981-1985)
Expansion of Network: The number of milk sheds increased substantially, from 18 to 136, and urban milk outlets expanded to about 290.
Growth in Production and Sales: There was a remarkable increase in milk production, with domestic milk powder production jumping from 22,000 tons in 1980 to 140,000 tons by 1989. Milk sales also saw a significant rise, thanks to the direct marketing efforts of cooperatives.
Cooperative Involvement: The phase involved over 4.25 million milk producers across 43,000 village cooperatives, emphasizing a self-sustaining system.
Phase III (1985-1996)
Strengthening and Expansion: This final phase focused on expanding and enhancing the capabilities of dairy cooperatives.
Infrastructure Development: Emphasis was placed on developing infrastructure to support the procurement and marketing of increasing milk volumes.
Legacy and Impact: By the end of Operation Flood, 73,930 dairy cooperatives were established, linking over 35 million dairy farmers. The impact of the White Revolution is evident in the numerous efficient cooperatives across India, contributing significantly to the prosperity of many villages.
Each phase of the White Revolution played a crucial role in transforming India’s dairy sector, leading to remarkable improvements in milk production, farmer empowerment, and rural development.
Features of White Revolution in India
Two of these features were the adoption of new methods in animal husbandry and the alteration in the composition of feed ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at each:
1. Adoption of New Methods in Animal Husbandry
Improved Breeding Techniques: The revolution introduced advanced breeding techniques, including artificial insemination, to enhance the genetic quality of dairy cattle. This led to higher milk yields and better overall health of the cattle.
Veterinary Care and Health Management: Emphasis was placed on regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and disease control measures to maintain the health of the livestock.
Training and Education: Farmers were educated and trained in modern animal husbandry practices. This knowledge transfer was crucial for sustainable improvements in dairy farming.
2. Altering the Composition of Feed Ingredients
Nutritionally Balanced Feed: The revolution focused on providing cattle with nutritionally balanced feed. This involved altering the composition of feed ingredients to ensure an optimal balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Use of Locally Available Resources: Efforts were made to utilize locally available feed resources, reducing dependency on imported feed and making the feeding process more economical and sustainable.
Customized Feed Formulas: Feed formulas were adjusted according to the different needs of cattle based on their age, health, and milk production levels.
These features were integral to the White Revolution’s goal of increasing milk production while also ensuring the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming in India.
Objectives Of White Revolution in India
The White Revolution in India was launched with several key objectives, each focusing on different aspects of the dairy industry and rural economy. These objectives were:
Increasing Milk Production: One of the primary goals was to create a literal “flood” of milk across the nation. This involved enhancing milk production through improved breeding, feeding, and healthcare of dairy cattle. The idea was to significantly boost the volume of milk produced in the country, making India self-sufficient in milk and dairy products.
Enhancing Rural Incomes: A significant objective was to improve the livelihoods of the rural population, particularly small and marginal farmers. By organizing these farmers into cooperatives, the White Revolution aimed to eliminate middlemen, ensuring that the farmers received a fair share of the profit. This initiative helped increase the income levels of rural households engaged in dairy farming.
Providing Milk at Fair Prices to Consumers: The movement also aimed at ensuring that consumers received milk at reasonable and fair prices. By streamlining the supply chain and reducing price variations, the White Revolution made milk and milk products more accessible and affordable for the average consumer. This was particularly important in urban areas where demand for milk was high.
Significance of Operation Flood
Operation Flood, also known as the White Revolution, had a profound and lasting impact on India’s dairy industry, rural economy, and broader social landscape. Its significance can be understood through the various points mentioned:
1. Reduction of Malpractices in Dairy Trade
2. Eradication of Poverty and Boost in Production
3. Empowerment of Dairy Farmers
4. Establishment of the National Milk Grid
5. Reduction in Price Variations and Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
6. Improvement in Rural Living Standards
Conclusion
In conclusion, the White Revolution stands as a testament to the power of collaborative effort, strategic planning, and the resilience of the rural community. It not only revolutionized dairy farming in India but also became a beacon of socio-economic development, illustrating how targeted interventions in the agricultural sector can lead to broad-based benefits for the nation.
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FAQs: White Revolution in India – Comprehensive Guide
Who started the first White Revolution in India?
Dr. Verghese Kurien started the first White Revolution in India.
Which state is known for White Revolution in India?
The correct answer is Gujarat. The White Revolution was started in 1970. It was an initiative of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) of India and was the largest dairy development program in the world.
What was the White Revolution in India, explain?
The revolution associated with a sharp increase in milk production in the country is called the White Revolution in India, also known as Operation Flood.
Who is called the father of the white revolution?
Verghese Kurien is known as the Father of the White Revolution.
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