The Evolution of Dairy Farming in India

1. The Evolution of Dairy Farming in India From the time of mythological stories, dairy farming has been an integral part of the Indian culture and the agriculture industry. Dairy has also always been considered to be a whole food because of its health benefits. The need for dairy has never subsided but only increased with time. With an increased need, demand has risen. Between being able to fulfil this particular demand and the supply, dairy farming has come a long way from what it was to what it is now. India is an agricultural country and the livestock and dairy sector is a critical part of our country’s income, GDP, and economy. In fact, our nation has the world's largest dairy herd. India produces more than 187 million tonnes of milk. Most of the milk is produced by- 1) Buffaloes 2) Cows 3) Goats. Dairy Farming in India has evolved in more ways than one. Starting from the British Colonial period when the first animal census was conducted in 1919. However, during that time, poverty was on the rise which resulted in various challenges. India was not doing well in terms of its agriculture aspect. However, things had to take a turn for the better. Following which in the 1960s, the National Dairy Development Board was formed. It was formed by Dr. Verghese Kurien, who is famously known as the father of the White Revolution. He was responsible for sustaining the Dairy industry in India, making it the largest rural employment sector, which ended up providing a third of all rural income.

2. It made India the world's largest milk producer, doubled the milk available for each person, and increased the dairy output by 4 times in 30 years. Operation Flood/White Revolution in 1969 was responsible for modernising dairy and this particular achievement in India. Operation Flood was divided into three main phases. Phase 1(1970–1981) was for developing dairy production in the surrounding areas of cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Phase 2 (1986), was responsible for expanding investment to 147 urban centres across the country. The last and final, Phase3, which continued to the mid-1990s, expanded and extended investment to numerous smaller towns and cities. Ever since 1997, India has been the world's largest milk producer, when it left the United States of America behind. In the 21st century, alternatives to dairy have surfaced. Vegan movement and the needs of individuals who are lactose intolerant have preceded this movement into fad diets. Alternatives such as Plant-based milks began to emerge. In our nation, we have treated our cattle with as much respect as a family member deserves. We assure of the premium quality of life of these bovinae. Therefore, the importance and the benefits of dairy and dairy farming shall prevail.