Ziraat Times Team Report
New Delhi, March 18: Jammu and Kashmir is set to see the establishment of 960 new dairy cooperative societies over the next five years under the Centre’s ambitious White Revolution 2.0 programme, aimed at expanding cooperative coverage, boosting milk procurement, and enhancing rural incomes.
The nationwide initiative, launched in September 2024, seeks to create 75,000 new dairy cooperative societies across India, with a focus on empowering uncovered panchayats, promoting women’s participation, and strengthening market access for farmers.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the programme targets a 50% increase in milk procurement by dairy cooperatives over the next five years.
Massive Expansion of Dairy Cooperatives
Under the state-wise targets, Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated 960 new dairy cooperative societies between 2024–25 and 2028–29. Nationally, states like Uttar Pradesh (10,130), Odisha (8,547), and Rajasthan (8,012) have been given the largest targets.
The scheme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Cooperation and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
India Remains World’s Top Milk Producer
India has retained its position as the world’s largest milk producer since 1998 and currently contributes about 25% of global milk output. The government attributed this growth to sustained policy interventions and multiple dairy development schemes.
Milk production has been growing at an annual rate of 5.8%, supported by programmes like the National Programme for Dairy Development.
Productivity Sees Sharp Rise
Government data shows a significant increase in livestock productivity:
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Average productivity of cattle and buffaloes rose by 36.63% from 1,648 kg per animal per year in 2013–14 to 2,251 kg in 2024–25
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Productivity of indigenous cattle increased by 44.89%
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Buffalo productivity rose by 25.80%
These gains have been driven by initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which promotes genetic improvement through technologies like IVF and sex-sorted semen.
Digital Push in Milk Procurement
Dairy cooperatives are increasingly adopting digital systems for procurement and payments. Tools such as Data Processor Milk Collection Units (DPMCUs) and Automated Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) ensure transparency, accurate milk testing, and direct transfer of payments to farmers’ bank accounts.
Boost to Farmers, Women and Rural Economy
Currently, about 1.7 crore farmers are members of dairy cooperatives, with nearly 38% being women. The expansion under White Revolution 2.0 is expected to strengthen income streams for rural households and enhance nutritional security.
Per capita milk availability in India stands at 485 grams per day, well above the recommended 300 grams.
Multiple Schemes Supporting Dairy Sector
The government said a range of schemes are supporting dairy development, including:
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National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) for infrastructure and market access
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Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) for processing and value addition
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National Livestock Mission (NLM) for entrepreneurship and breed improvement
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Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) for veterinary services
