Every year on November 26th, India observes National Milk Day to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary behind Amul and renowned as the "Father of the White Revolution in India" or the "Milkman of India."

This day serves as a tribute to the accomplishments of the dairy sector in India, highlighting Kurien's pivotal role in making the country self-sufficient in dairy production.

History and Significance

1. Dr. Verghese Kurien: Known as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, Dr. Kurien spearheaded the cooperative movement in the dairy sector. His efforts helped create a self-sustaining, profitable dairy industry that empowered rural farmers, especially in Gujarat. He was instrumental in founding Amul, which became a symbol of India's dairy success.

2. White Revolution: Also known as Operation Flood, this initiative was launched in 1970 and transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the largest milk producer globally. Under Kurien’s leadership, the program created a national milk grid, connecting rural farmers to urban markets, thereby ensuring fair prices for both producers and consumers.

3. Amul and Cooperative Movement: The success of Amul was pivotal to the White Revolution. It showcased the power of cooperative societies, where farmers had ownership of the milk production and processing systems. Amul's model was replicated across India, giving farmers greater bargaining power and access to better resources.

4. Impact on Dairy Production: As a result of the White Revolution, India’s milk production skyrocketed from 22 million tons in the 1970s to over 200 million tons today. This made India not only self-sufficient in milk production but also an exporter of dairy products.

Celebration of National Milk Day

• Tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien: On November 26, National Milk Day celebrates Dr. Kurien's vision and contribution to India's dairy industry. Programs are held across the country to honor his legacy, often involving discussions on sustainable dairy practices, rural empowerment, and the importance of cooperatives.

• Awareness Campaigns: On this day, various educational campaigns are organized to promote the nutritional benefits of milk. These campaigns highlight milk’s role as an essential source of calcium, vitamins, and proteins, especially for children’s growth and overall health.

• Dairy Sector Events: Dairy cooperatives, companies, and government organizations conduct events like milk distribution drives, seminars, and workshops aimed at spreading awareness of the dairy industry’s role in improving the economy and rural livelihoods.

• Farmer Empowerment: National Milk Day also serves as a platform to discuss challenges faced by dairy farmers, including pricing issues, infrastructure needs, and improving productivity. Various state governments and cooperative bodies announce new initiatives or schemes to support farmers.

Dr. Verghese Kurien's Contributions

1. Amul Cooperative Model: Dr. Kurien established Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) in Gujarat, which became a pioneer in the cooperative movement. Amul’s success story is built on a decentralized model, where milk producers collectively own and manage the milk production and distribution chain.

2. Operation Flood: The White Revolution, initiated by Operation Flood, led to the establishment of a national dairy grid that helped increase rural incomes, reduce urban milk shortages, and stabilize prices across the country.

3. NDDB (National Dairy Development Board): Dr. Kurien was also the chairman of the NDDB, through which he played a pivotal role in formulating policies and ensuring the success of Operation Flood.

4. Empowerment of Rural Women: Kurien's efforts in establishing milk cooperatives had a far-reaching social impact. It provided rural women, who form a significant portion of the dairy workforce, with income, financial independence, and decision-making power in cooperative societies.

5. Environmental and Social Impact: Kurien’s model also focused on sustainable development. Through effective management of resources, the cooperative system minimized wastage and maximized productivity, ensuring a positive environmental impact.

Importance of Milk in India

• Nutritional Value: Milk is a key source of calcium, protein, vitamins B12 and D, making it an essential part of the Indian diet, especially for children and adolescents. It supports bone health, strengthens the immune system, and aids in overall growth.

• Dairy Sector’s Economic Role: India’s dairy sector is an essential part of the country’s agricultural economy. Over 70 million farmers, mostly smallholders, are engaged in milk production, and it is one of the few agricultural products where India has achieved self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

National Milk Day is not just a tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien’s legacy but also an occasion to acknowledge the pivotal role of milk and the dairy industry in India’s economic and social development. It highlights the success of the cooperative movement, the empowerment of farmers, and the importance of milk as a nutritional staple. Through various initiatives and events, National Milk Day reminds us of the ongoing efforts needed to sustain India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer while ensuring fair practices and benefits for the farmers involved.