White Revolution 2.0: A new chapter of success for India’s dairy industry

India's dairy industry is entering a new era of growth and innovation,
known as White Revolution 2.0.

Recently, India's Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah introduced
the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for White Revolution 2.0, aimed
at significantly increasing milk procurement through cooperatives.
The initiative seeks to enhance daily milk procurement by 50 percent,
raising the current 0.07 million tonnes per day to approximately 0.10
million tonnes.

To achieve this goal, the plan involves establishing or revitalizing nearly
100,000 dairy cooperative societies or multi-purpose primary agriculture
credit societies nationwide.

This move is expected to strengthen the cooperative network and improve
the country's dairy production capabilities.

This phase builds upon the historic achievements of the original White
Revolution, which transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the
world's largest producer of milk.

Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien in the 1970s through the Operation
Flood programme, the first White Revolution established India as a global
leader in dairy production, while simultaneously empowering millions of
rural farmers, particularly women.

White Revolution 2.0 represents the next stage in this journey, driven by
the need for modernization, sustainability, and value-added production in
the face of rising domestic demand and global competition.

As India continues to grow economically and demographically, its dairy
industry must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.
This new chapter is characterized by technological advancements,
enhanced production practices, innovative product development, and a
strong focus on environmental and social sustainability.

The success of first White Revolution

To understand the significance of White Revolution 2.0, it is important to
reflect on the impact of the original White Revolution.

Before Operation Flood, India was heavily reliant on imports of milk
powder, and dairy farmers faced many challenges, including low
productivity, poor infrastructure, and limited market access. \
The cooperative model, established through the National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB), revolutionized the industry by connecting
farmers to organized markets, ensuring fair prices, and providing access to
veterinary services, feed, and education.

The results were staggering. By the 1990s, India became self-sufficient in
milk production, overtaking the United States to become the world’s largest
milk producer.

The revolution improved the livelihoods of millions of farmers, particularly
in rural areas, and significantly contributed to India’s food security. The cooperative model, best exemplified by Amul, became a symbol of
empowerment and grassroots development.

The need for White Revolution 2.0

Despite these successes, India’s dairy sector faces several new challenges.
The country’s population is growing rapidly, and so is the demand for dairy
products.

According to industry estimates, milk consumption in India is expected to
reach 225 million metric tons by 2030, up from 198 million metric tons in
2022.

This surge in demand presents an opportunity for the industry to expand,
but it also places pressure on resources and the environment. Moreover, while India produces more milk than any other country, productivity per cow remains relatively low compared to global standards. Most dairy farms in India are small, with farmers owning fewer than five cows. This leads to inefficiencies in production, quality control, and market access.

Additionally, the dairy industry is becoming more globalized, with
increasing competition from other major milk producers like New Zealand
and the European Union.

To remain competitive, India must focus on improving productivity,
enhancing product quality, and diversifying its dairy offerings.
In response to these challenges, White Revolution 2.0 is focused on
transforming India’s dairy sector through innovation, modernization, and sustainability.

White Revolution 2.0's key components

Technological advancements in dairy farming: White Revolution
2.0 places a strong emphasis on integrating technology into every aspect of
dairy farming.

New-age technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning
(ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being leveraged to improve farm
management, increase milk yields, and ensure better quality control.
In addition, genetic improvements in cattle breeding are being pursued to
enhance milk production.

Cross-breeding programmes and genomic selection are helping farmers
breed more productive and disease-resistant cows.

Mobile applications and platforms are also providing farmers with real-
time data on milk prices, weather conditions, and veterinary services,
helping them make informed decisions.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility: Sustainability is at
the core of White Revolution 2.0.

As the dairy sector grows, it is essential to ensure that environmental
resources are used responsibly.

The dairy industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions,
primarily through methane from cattle.

Therefore, initiatives are being undertaken to reduce the carbon footprint
of dairy farming through improved waste management practices, energy-
efficient equipment, and the use of renewable energy sources like biogas.
Water conservation is another key area of focus. Dairy farming is water-
intensive, and with growing concerns over water scarcity in many parts of
India, efficient water management is crucial.

Modern irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and recycling of water
used in dairy processing are being promoted to reduce water usage.
Value-added dairy products and diversification: While raw milk production
is crucial, White Revolution 2.0 recognizes the need to expand into value-
added dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and ghee.

These products not only have higher profit margins but also cater to the
growing demand for premium and specialty dairy items both domestically
and internationally.

The focus on value addition also helps reduce the vulnerability of farmers
to fluctuations in milk prices.

In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for functional and fortified
dairy products, driven by health-conscious consumers.

Products enriched with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other health
benefits are gaining popularity, providing a new avenue for growth within
the industry.

Empowering small farmers and cooperatives: The cooperative
model, which was the backbone of the original White Revolution, remains
central to White Revolution 2.0.

Small farmers and cooperatives continue to be the lifeline of the dairy
sector, and empowering them through better market access, financial
inclusion, and skill development is critical to the success of this new
chapter.

Government of India's programmes and initiatives are being rolled out to
support farmers in adopting modern practices, accessing credit, and
benefiting from digital platforms that connect them directly to consumers
and markets.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) continues to play a pivotal
role in ensuring that cooperatives remain competitive and are equipped
with the necessary tools to thrive in this new era.

Boosting exports and global competitiveness: India’s dairy sector
has the potential to become a major player in the global market.
However, to achieve this, it must meet international quality standards and
adapt to global market trends.

White Revolution 2.0 focuses on improving the quality of Indian dairy
products to boost exports.

This involves better quality control systems, adherence to global safety
standards, and innovative packaging to extend the shelf life of products.
With growing demand for Indian dairy products in countries like the
Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, there is a significant opportunity
to expand India’s global footprint in the dairy industry.

India’s dairy industry's future

White Revolution 2.0 represents a pivotal moment in the history of India’s
dairy industry.

With a focus on technology, sustainability, value addition, and
empowerment of farmers, this new chapter holds the promise of not only
meeting the growing domestic demand but also establishing India as a
global dairy powerhouse.

According to experts in the dairy sector, the road ahead requires
collaboration between the government, private sector, cooperatives, and
farmers to ensure that the vision of White Revolution 2.0 is fully realized.
As India moves forward, this revolution has the potential to once again
transform the lives of millions of dairy farmers and contribute to the
nation’s economic growth.

India's dairy sector, bolstered by the success of the original White
Revolution and now on the cusp of transformation through White
Revolution 2.0, is poised to continue being a critical pillar of rural development and national progress.