The foundation of this day is the indelible contribution of Dr. Verghese Kurien, often hailed as the “Father of the White Revolution.” His innovative model centered on empowering small and marginalized dairy farmers through the establishment of robust, farmer-owned cooperatives. This structural intervention was revolutionary, ensuring that the economic benefits of milk processing and marketing flowed directly back to the producers, establishing a democratic and transparent foundation for the entire supply chain.

Kurien’s vision materialized as Operation Flood, known globally as the White Revolution. This monumental program fundamentally transformed India’s position from a milk-deficient nation to the largest milk producer worldwide. The project successfully linked rural producers with urban demand centers, utilizing advanced technology and logistics to create a unified national milk grid. This achievement is constantly studied by global dairy economists and agribusiness leaders for its scale and effectiveness in poverty alleviation and enabling sustained rural economic development.

The enduring significance of this movement is its profound effect on rural livelihoods and nutritional security. The structured cooperative model established a robust and reliable income stream for millions of small-scale farmers, dramatically improving household economics and enabling women’s empowerment within the sector. As the Indian dairy industry continues to expand and professionalize, the principles of market access and fair pricing championed by Kurien remain central to sustaining the sector’s long-term growth and its relevance in global agribusiness.