Background of the New Dairy Push
White Revolution 2.0 and India’s Cooperative Dairy Expansion: The Government of India has launched White Revolution 2.0 to strengthen the dairy sector through a cooperative-driven framework. The initiative aims to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% within five years. The daily procurement target has been fixed at 1,007 lakh kilograms by 2028–29, reinforcing India’s status as the world’s largest milk producer.
Static GK fact: India overtook the United States in milk production in 1998 and continues to contribute over 20% of global milk output.
The programme builds upon the earlier White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien under the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Core Objectives
The scheme focuses on expanding dairy cooperatives in uncovered villages and strengthening existing institutions. It seeks to improve milk procurement, expand market access, and raise incomes of small and marginal farmers.
Special emphasis is placed on increasing the cooperative share in the organised dairy sector. The initiative also aims to enhance nutritional security, as milk is a major source of protein, calcium, and essential micronutrients.
Static GK Tip: The NDDB was established in 1965 and is headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, often called the “Milk Capital of India.”
Two-Pronged Expansion Strategy
The programme adopts a dual strategy for rapid expansion. First, nearly 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) will be established in uncovered panchayats and villages. This will widen the cooperative network and integrate more farmers into formal supply chains.
Second, around 46,422 existing DCSs will be strengthened through improved efficiency, better market linkages, and upgraded infrastructure. These societies will be connected to structured milk procurement routes to reduce wastage and ensure stable farmer income.
The cooperative model ensures collective bargaining power, fair pricing, and transparent payment systems.
Infrastructure and Financial Support
Infrastructure development forms the backbone of this initiative. Key facilities include Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs), data processing milk collection systems, milk testing equipment, and Bulk Milk Coolers.
Financial assistance is provided under the National Dairy Development Programme 2.0 (NPDD 2.0) implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Uniform operational guidelines are designed to ensure standardised implementation across states.
Static GK fact: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying functions under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, established as a separate ministry in 2019.
Focus on Women and Nutrition
Nearly 70% of India’s dairy workforce consists of women. However, much of their contribution remains informal and undervalued.
White Revolution 2.0 aims to formalise women’s participation by promoting women-led cooperatives and increasing their representation in dairy institutions. This step supports financial inclusion, rural empowerment, and gender equity.
Increased milk availability will strengthen household nutrition, particularly in rural areas. Higher protein access directly contributes to improved food security outcomes.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
White Revolution 2.0 and India’s Cooperative Dairy Expansion:
| Topic | Detail |
| Initiative Name | White Revolution 2.0 |
| Launching Authority | Ministry of Cooperation |
| Milk Procurement Target | 1,007 lakh kg per day by 2028–29 |
| Expansion Plan | 75,000 new DCS and strengthening of 46,422 existing DCS |
| Funding Support | National Dairy Development Programme 2.0 |
| Women Participation | Nearly 70% of dairy workforce |
| Historical Reference | Operation Flood led by Dr. Verghese Kurien |
| India’s Global Rank | Largest milk producer in the world |
