The Union Government has launched White Revolution 2.0, a cooperative-driven initiative aimed at expanding dairy coverage, boosting milk procurement, and strengthening women’s empowerment. Announced by the Ministry of Cooperation (Launched on: 19.09.2024), the programme seeks to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% in five years, raising daily procurement to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028–29.
The initiative reflects India’s renewed focus on strengthening the cooperative model and enhancing farmers’ participation in the organised dairy sector.
Why in News?
- The Centre launched White Revolution 2.0 to revitalise the dairy cooperative movement.
- Target to raise daily milk procurement to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028–29.
- Focus on expanding coverage in uncovered rural areas.
- Special emphasis on women’s empowerment and nutrition.
Objectives of White Revolution 2.0
The programme is designed to achieve multiple economic and social goals:
- Expand cooperative coverage in rural areas
- Increase organised milk procurement
- Improve price realisation for farmers
- Strengthen dairy infrastructure
- Promote women’s leadership
- Enhance nutritional availability
It seeks to make cooperatives the backbone of India’s dairy growth.
Two-Pronged Expansion Strategy
The Programme follows a dual approach:
1. Expansion of Cooperative Coverage
- Establishment of 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs)
- Focus on uncovered panchayats and villages
- Integration of remote farmers into organised markets
2. Strengthening Existing Cooperatives
- Upgradation of 46,422 existing DCSs
- Improved market linkages
- Better logistics and procurement routes
- Enhanced income stability for members
These societies will be connected through expanded and newly created milk procurement routes.
Infrastructure and Technological Support
A major pillar of the programme is modernisation of dairy infrastructure.
Key Facilities
- Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCU)
- Data Processing Milk Collection Units (DPMCU)
- Milk testing equipment
- Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs)
These facilities ensure transparency, quality control, and timely payments to farmers.
Funding and Implementation of White Revolution 2.0
The programme is funded under the National Dairy Development Programme 2.0 of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Implementation will follow uniform departmental guidelines to ensure:
- Standardised infrastructure
- Quality assurance
- Efficient rollout
- Inter-state coordination
White Revolution 2.0: Focus on Women’s Empowerment
Women constitute nearly 70% of India’s dairy workforce, contributing to:
- Milking
- Feeding
- Fodder management
- Animal healthcare
Despite this, their role has often remained informal and undervalued.
Key Interventions
- Inclusion of more women farmers in cooperatives
- Promotion of women-led dairy societies
- Access to institutional credit and training
- Leadership development
By formalising participation, the programme aims to enhance women’s economic independence and social status.
Linking Dairy Growth with Nutrition
White Revolution 2.0 integrates dairy expansion with nutrition goals.
Nutritional Significance
- Milk is a major source of protein, calcium, and micronutrients
- Improved availability supports:
- Child nutrition
- Maternal health
- Food security
The initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to combat malnutrition and improve dietary diversity.
Significance of White Revolution 2.0 for Rural Economy
1. Income Stability: Regular milk procurement provides predictable income to farmers.
2. Employment Generation: Expansion of cooperatives creates local jobs in collection, transport, and processing.
3. Financial Inclusion: Direct payments and digital systems promote banking access.
4. Cooperative Revival: Strengthens democratic and community-based economic institutions.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its potential, the programme faces challenges:
- Regional disparities in cooperative strength
- Infrastructure gaps in remote areas
- Need for skilled manpower
- Climate stress affecting fodder and livestock
- Market competition from private dairies
Addressing these issues is crucial for long-term success.
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the government should focus on:
- Capacity building of cooperative leaders
- Integration with digital platforms
- Climate-resilient dairy practices
- Strong monitoring mechanisms
- Public–cooperative partnerships
Sustained institutional support will be key.
Conclusion
White Revolution 2.0 represents a renewed commitment to cooperative-led dairy development in India. By expanding coverage, modernising infrastructure, empowering women, and linking dairy growth with nutrition, the initiative aims to make the sector more inclusive and resilient. If implemented effectively, it can strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security, and reinforce the cooperative movement, contributing significantly to India’s agricultural transformation.
Summary
White Revolution 2.0 aims to deepen cooperative penetration in rural India by creating new dairy societies, strengthening existing ones, and improving infrastructure. Funded under the National Dairy Development Programme 2.0, the initiative seeks to enhance farmer incomes, promote women-led cooperatives, and link dairy expansion with nutritional security.
📌 Exam-Oriented Facts
- Programme: White Revolution 2.0
- Launched by: Ministry of Cooperation
- Launched on: 19.09.2024
- Target: 1,007 lakh kg daily procurement by 2028–29
- New DCSs: 75,000
- Strengthened DCSs: 46,422
- Funding: NPDD 2.0
- Women Workforce Share: ~70%
White Revolution 2.0 FAQs
White Revolution 2.0 is a cooperative-led initiative to expand dairy coverage, increase milk procurement, and strengthen farmers’ incomes and women’s participation.
The programme aims to raise daily milk procurement to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028–29, a 50% increase over current levels.
It provides new and upgraded cooperatives, modern collection infrastructure, better market access, and transparent payment systems.
Since women form nearly 70% of the dairy workforce, formalising their role through cooperatives enhances their income, leadership, and social status.
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