Verghese Kurien’s Legacy: Transforming India’s Dairy Sector and Challenges Ahead
As India commemorates the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a pivotal figure in the country’s agricultural landscape comes to the forefront — Verghese Kurien, often hailed as the “Father of the White Revolution.” His visionary approach and pioneering efforts in establishing Operation Flood have not only transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer but have also significantly impacted rural livelihoods.
The Journey of India’s Dairy Sector
India’s dairy sector has witnessed exponential growth, contributing over 22% to global milk production and 57% to Asia’s total milk output. From 17 million tonnes in 1951 to a staggering 187.7 million tonnes in 2018–2019, the sector’s trajectory is a testament to sustained efforts and visionary leadership.
Verghese Kurien: A Trailblazer’s Profile
Dr. Verghese Kurien’s journey from a mechanical engineering graduate to a leader who reshaped India’s dairy landscape is nothing short of inspiring. After completing his education, including a master’s in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University, Kurien returned to India. He played a pivotal role in the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union, later known as Amul, steering it towards becoming one of India’s largest food producers.
The White Revolution Unveiled
Under Kurien’s leadership, Operation Flood unfolded, marking a paradigm shift in dairy farming. This initiative aimed to increase milk production, uplift rural incomes, and ensure affordable prices for consumers. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the National Dairy Development Board in 1965, further cementing the cooperative movement’s role in the sector.
The Current Significance of the Dairy Sector
A recent article in The Hindu Business Line underscores the pivotal role of the dairy sector in ensuring food security, reducing global poverty, and providing steady income sources, especially for rural communities. Dairy farming stands as a crucial source of income for landless and disadvantaged farmers, contributing to nearly one-third of rural household income in India.
Challenges Facing the Dairy Industry
Despite its success, the dairy sector grapples with several challenges. From a lack of proper packaging and labeling systems to insufficient market intelligence and research, these obstacles hinder the sector’s full potential. Storage and transportation, especially in the context of perishable dairy products, remain significant challenges.
Opportunities for Growth
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries provides insights into potential avenues for investment and exploration in the dairy industry. With a contribution of 4.2% to India’s GDP and being the single largest agricultural commodity, the sector presents opportunities for value-added dairy products and aims for a liquid milk production capacity of 255 MMT by 2024.
Government Initiatives Driving Development
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala highlighted key government initiatives. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development, and Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund are among the measures aimed at fostering the sector’s growth.
As India continues to celebrate its journey towards independence, Verghese Kurien’s legacy shines brightly, illustrating how one man’s vision and determination can revolutionize an entire industry. The challenges ahead underscore the need for continued innovation and government support to ensure the sustained growth of the Indian dairy sector.
