The Government of India has outlined an ambitious roadmap under White Revolution 2.0, aiming to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next five years, while expanding cooperative coverage and strengthening rural livelihoods. Launched on September 19, 2024, the initiative focuses on empowering uncovered panchayats through the cooperative model, enhancing market access, generating employment and promoting women’s participation in the dairy sector. The programme envisages the creation of 75,000 new dairy cooperative societies over five years to deepen the reach of organised dairy networks across the country.
India continues to be the world’s largest milk producer, contributing about 25% of global output, with the sector witnessing strong productivity gains. Average productivity of cattle and buffaloes has increased by 36.63% from 1,648.17 kg per animal per year in 2013–14 to 2,251 kg in 2024–25, while productivity of indigenous and non-descript cattle rose by 44.89% from 927 kg to 1,343.2 kg per animal per year during the same period. Milk production is growing at a steady rate of 5.8%, reflecting the impact of government schemes such as the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
The cooperative dairy ecosystem remains central to rural income generation, with around 1.7 crore farmers associated with dairy cooperative societies, of which nearly 38% are women. India’s per capita milk availability stands at 485 grams per day, significantly higher than the ICMR recommendation of 300 ml per day, underlining improved nutritional access. The government highlighted that digital tools such as Automated Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) and Data Processor Milk Collection Units (DPMCUs) are being widely adopted to ensure transparency, accurate milk testing and direct payment transfers to farmers’ bank accounts.
The initiative also targets improvements in feed and fodder availability, animal health services, dairy infrastructure and working capital support, which are expected to reduce production costs and enhance farmer incomes. The information was shared by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) in the Lok Sabha, emphasising that expansion of dairy cooperatives will play a crucial role in ensuring nutritional security and sustainable income for rural households.
Source: Dairynews7x7 18th March, 2026 Read full article here
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