Who is Known as the Milk Man of India?

India’s journey to becoming the largest milk producer in the world is a remarkable story of dedication and innovation. This success transformed rural communities, empowered farmers and brought about a revolution in the dairy industry. Behind this achievement is an extraordinary individual whose efforts changed the face of milk production in the country. In this article, we will know about the “Milk Man of India.”

Milk Man of India

Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milk Man of India,” played a key role in transforming India into the world’s largest producer of milk. His efforts, called the White Revolution, helped improve the lives of millions of rural farmers and made dairy farming a self-sustaining industry.

Early Life and Education

Kurien was born on 26 November 1921 in Kozhikode, Kerala. He came from a Malayali Syrian Christian family. His father worked as a government doctor. After completing school, Kurien studied physics at Loyola College, Madras, and later earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Madras in 1943.

Starting in Anand

In 1949, Kurien was sent to Anand, a small town in Gujarat, to manage a government creamery. He met Tribhuvandas Patel, who had started a milk cooperative to fight against unfair milk prices set by private companies. Kurien decided to stay in Anand and help Patel grow the cooperative. This marked the beginning of Amul, which later become a world-famous brand.

The Growth of Amul

Kurien introduced innovative methods to process buffalo milk, which was plentiful in India. He worked with H.M. Dalaya to create milk powder and condensed milk from buffalo milk, helping India reduce its dependency on imports. Amul began producing high-quality milk products, competing successfully with global companies like Nestle.

Contribution to National Dairy Development Board

In 1965, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri asked Kurien to expand the Anand model across India. Kurien became the first chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Through Operation Flood, NDDB created a nationwide network of milk producers and consumers, increasing milk production and making dairy farming a major rural livelihood.

Achievements of Operation Flood

• India became the world’s largest producer of milk by 1998.
• Millions of farmers benefited from better income and fair milk prices.
• The cooperative model was extended to other agricultural products like oilseeds and vegetables.

Awards and Honors to Verghese Kurien

For his work, Kurien received many awards, including:

• Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963)
• Padma Shri (1965)
• Padma Bhushan (1966)
• Padma Vibhushan (1999)

Legacy of Kurien

Kurien’s efforts brought dignity and financial stability to millions of rural families. His cooperative model inspired other countries, including Sri Lanka and China. Known as the “Father of the White Revolution,” Kurien’s vision transformed India into a self-sufficient nation in dairy production.