Why in the News?
National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘The Milkman of India’, Dr Verghese Kurien, who was credited with making India self-reliant in milk production.
About National Milk Day:
| Details | • Observed on November 26 to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien’s contributions to India’s dairy industry and the White Revolution. • Celebrates India’s transformation into the world’s largest milk producer. |
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| Contributions made by Varghese Kurien | • Born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala. • Played a key role in establishing Amul (1949) and transforming it into a global dairy brand. • Inaugural chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). • Led Operation Flood, which revolutionized India’s dairy industry and made it self-sufficient in milk production. • Received numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1963). |
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| About the White Revolution and Milk Production in India | • Initiated in 1970 through Operation Flood to increase milk production and reduce dependence on milk powder imports. • Empowered dairy farmers by promoting a cooperative-based model for milk production. • By the late 1990s, India became the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the US. • Milk production grew threefold, from 21.2 million tonnes in 1968-69 to over 55 million tonnes by 1991-92. • Helped build the infrastructure for milk supply chains, processing plants, and storage facilities, making milk more accessible. • Significantly improved the income and livelihood of rural farmers, boosting employment and economic development.
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