India Launches White Revolution 2.0 to Boost Dairy Sector

India has announced the launch of 'White Revolution 2.0', a national initiative aimed at enhancing its dairy sector by connecting 8 crore milk-producing families to organized cooperatives. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah revealed the plan at a high-level dairy industry meeting, highlighting the government's intention to improve the sector's organization and efficiency.

Currently, India is the world leader in dairy production, generating 231 million tons annually. The domestic dairy industry is growing at a 6% annual rate, surpassing the global average of 2%. However, structural challenges persist, with only 1.5 crore out of 8 crore farming families integrated into the cooperative system, leaving many vulnerable to unfair pricing.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Cooperation plans to establish 2 lakh new multipurpose cooperative societies over the next five years. This expansion will focus on creating formal milk routes and village-level collection hubs, particularly in underserved areas. The goal is to increase formal milk procurement by 50% within five years and expand marketing dairies nationwide.

A key component of White Revolution 2.0 is the incorporation of sustainable technologies and circular economy principles. The initiative emphasizes secondary revenue for producers, such as advanced cow dung management and commercial compressed biogas projects. This will allow smallholders to benefit financially from up to 16 crore tonnes of manure collection, with carbon credits directly deposited into farmers' accounts.

The initiative also prioritizes women's empowerment, as women form 72% of the cooperative dairy workforce. By implementing automated milk collection units and digital banking systems, the plan ensures that financial benefits reach female operators directly. This integration aims to support small-scale producers, reduce rural-to-urban migration, and strengthen India's position in the global dairy market.