White Revolution 2.0: A Cooperative Push to Transform India’s Dairy Sector

The Government of India has launched White Revolution 2.0, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s dairy sector through a cooperative-based model. Announced by the Ministry of Cooperation, the programme seeks to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next five years. The target is to raise daily milk procurement to 1,007 lakh kilograms by 2028–29, reinforcing India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer.

White Revolution 2.0 builds upon the legacy of the earlier dairy movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient country into a self-sufficient one. However, the new phase focuses more on expanding cooperative coverage, improving infrastructure, formalising women’s participation, and increasing the share of cooperatives in the organised dairy sector.

Objectives of White Revolution 2.0

The key objectives of the initiative include:

• Expanding dairy cooperative coverage in uncovered villages
• Increasing milk procurement and market access
• Strengthening existing Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS)
• Enhancing income of small and marginal dairy farmers
• Promoting women-led dairy enterprises
• Improving nutritional security through higher milk availability

The programme recognises dairy as a major source of rural livelihood and a stable income-generating activity, especially for small farmers.

Two-Pronged Strategy

White Revolution 2.0 follows a two-pronged expansion strategy:

1. Establishment of New Societies: Around 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) will be set up in uncovered panchayats and villages. This will bring more farmers under the cooperative network.
2. Strengthening Existing Societies: Nearly 46,422 existing DCSs will be upgraded to improve efficiency, market linkages, and income generation.

These societies will be connected to milk procurement routes either by expanding current routes or creating new ones. This will ensure regular collection, reduce wastage, and improve farmer confidence.

Infrastructure and Financial Support

The programme will provide necessary infrastructure such as:

• Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs)
• Data Processing Milk Collection Units
• Milk testing equipment
• Bulk Milk Coolers

Funding is being provided under the National Dairy Development Programme 2.0 (NPDD 2.0) of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Uniform guidelines will ensure effective implementation across states.

Focus on Women and Nutrition

Nearly 70% of India’s dairy workforce comprises women. Despite their active involvement in cattle management, milking, and feeding, their contribution often remains informal.

White Revolution 2.0 aims to formalise women’s participation by promoting women-led cooperatives and increasing their representation in dairy institutions. This step will strengthen economic independence and social empowerment.

Additionally, higher milk production will support better access to protein-rich nutrition, contributing to national food security goals.

MCQ’s

Q1. White Revolution 2.0 has been launched by which ministry to strengthen India’s dairy cooperative structure and increase milk procurement by 50% over five years?

(a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
(b) Ministry of Rural Development
(c) Ministry of Cooperation
(d) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(e) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Q2. Under White Revolution 2.0, the target for daily milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 2028–29 is:

(a) 850 lakh kg
(b) 900 lakh kg
(c) 950 lakh kg
(d) 1,007 lakh kg
(e) 1,200 lakh kg

Q3. White Revolution 2.0 is funded under which scheme of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying?

(a) Rashtriya Gokul Mission
(b) Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund
(c) National Dairy Development Programme 2.0
(d) National Livestock Mission
(e) Operation Greens

Q4. How many new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) are proposed to be established under White Revolution 2.0?

(a) 25,000
(b) 50,000
(c) 60,000
(d) 75,000
(e) 1,00,000

Q5. Approximately what percentage of India’s dairy workforce is comprised of women, as highlighted under White Revolution 2.0?

(a) 40%
(b) 50%
(c) 60%
(d) 70%
(e) 80%

Q6. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of White Revolution 2.0?

(a) Expansion of cooperative coverage
(b) Strengthening existing dairy societies
(c) Promotion of women-led cooperatives
(d) Privatisation of dairy cooperatives
(e) Infrastructure support like Bulk Milk Coolers