Union Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a new initiative called ‘White Revolution 2.0’ aimed to revitalize India’s dairy cooperative sector. This comprehensive program focuses on empowering women farmers, creating job opportunities, and improving the overall dairy economy. The announcement is part of the Modi government’s initiatives in the first 100 days of its third term.

What Are the Key Objectives of ‘White Revolution 2.0’?

The ‘White Revolution 2.0’ is structured around four primary objectives:

Empowering Women Farmers

Recognizing the crucial role of women in the dairy sector, this initiative aims to support their efforts further. By empowering these women farmers, the government seeks to enhance their economic independence and improve their livelihoods.

Increasing Local Milk Production

To improve food security and support local economies, the program seeks to elevate milk production at the community level. This increase in supply will benefit both consumers and dairy producers.

Improving Dairy Infrastructure

Effective infrastructure is crucial for the dairy industry’s success. The initiative will prioritize the development of facilities necessary for milk processing, storage, and transportation.

Enhancing Dairy Exports

Aiming to strengthen India’s position in global dairy markets, the initiative will focus on boosting the quality and quantity of dairy products available for export.

How Will ‘White Revolution 2.0’ Economical Impact Women?

During his speech, Shah emphasized the vital role of women in the dairy industry, noting that some women in Gujarat solely generate business valued at IN ₹60,000 crore.

This initiative is expected to strengthen their role and further advance the fight against malnutrition in the country. By prioritizing women’s empowerment, the program aims to uplift entire communities.

New Financial Introduced Under ‘White Revolution 2.0′

Under the White Revolution 2.0, several key financial measures have been introduced. These financial measures include:

RuPay Kisan Credit Cards

The government plans to introduce these credit cards across the country, giving dairy farmers better access to financial support. This will allow them to invest in their operations and manage their finances more efficiently.

Micro-ATMs

The installation of micro-ATMs at dairy cooperative societies will enhance banking accessibility for farmers, allowing them to conduct transactions without extensive travel.

In addition to these measures, Shah announced guidelines for the computerization of 67,930 Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), aiming at optimizing operations and boosting efficiency.

What Are Future Milk Procurement Goals?

The government has set an ambitious target to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperative societies by 50% within the next five years. This plan will involve the creation and enhancement of 10,000 cooperative societies, ensuring that they are linked to milk routes and equipped with the necessary infrastructure.

How Will Government Provide Funding and Budget Support?

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will initially fund the initiative by utilizing its resources. NDDB will provide IN ₹40,000 to 1,000 Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Societies (M-PACS).

Shah assured that the government would provide full budgetary support for the program, reinforcing its status as a high-priority sector.

Are Reforms Necessary in the Cooperative Sector?

Amit Shah emphasized the need for reforms in the cooperative sector, stating that although various sectors have seen reforms over the past 70 years, the cooperative sector has lagged behind reforms. The establishment of a specific cooperation ministry aims to modernize this sector and create job opportunities for the workforce.

With White Revolution 2.0, the Indian government aims to empower approximately 130 million farmers across the country. This initiative is a significant step toward revitalizing India’s dairy industry and improving the livelihood of countless individuals involved in this vital sector.