Dr. Verghese Kurien: Milkman of India

Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milkman of India,” transformed India’s dairy industry through “Operation Flood,” also known as the “White Revolution.” He turned India around from being a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest producer of milk through his “Anand pattern” of milk production by establishing farmer-owned dairy cooperatives.

• Anand Pattern:
  Dr. Kurien developed what is now known as the “Anand pattern” of milk production, where farmers own and operate their co-operatives while controlling their own produce.
• Operation Flood:
  Operation Flood was the largest dairy development project ever — launched in 1970, it aimed to increase milk production and improve the conditions of the dairy farmers.
• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB):
  He founded the NDDB (non-government organization) which was the driving force behind Operation Flood and pivotal in helping develop the dairy industry in India.
• Amul:
  He co-founded Amul in Gujarat and helped develop it into an important Milk Co-operative and more importantly a symbol of the White Revolution.
• Infrastructure Development:
  Operation Flood also focused on dairy infrastructure, such as milk collection centres, processing plants, and distribution networks.
• Farmer Control:
  Dr. Kurien ensured that farmers controlled their resources and decision-making about what to do. They were able to benefit directly from the increased milk production.
• International Recognition:
  Dr. Kurien has received a myriad of awards and accolades for his work in the dairy industry, including the World Food Prize in 1989 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.