14 December 2007

1 minute read

Asia

Milk production was stagnant in India in the 1950s and 1960s.The Government wanted to increase milk production and improve its distribution in an attempt to alleviate poverty and mal-nutrition. For this, India received aid from the European countries through the World Food Programme.

The Government expended the money in an innovative and intelligent manner. Instead of distributing the gifts of milk and dairy products free, milk powder was used to manufacture liquid milk and sell it. The funds thus generated were invested in a project termed “Operation Flood”.

A National Milk grid was created, which linked milk producers throughout India. Milk production was encouraged through co-operatives of the milk producers. Dairy farmers benefited because they were not affected by seasonal and regional price fluctuations. The project was a huge success — it made India one of the largest producers of milk in the world. This was hailed as the “White Revolution”.

Source: The Hindu