National Milk Day is observed every year on 26th November across India. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, who is widely known as the “Father of the White Revolution”. This day is highly important not only from a nutritional perspective but also for understanding India's agricultural and economic transformation—making it a crucial topic for competitive exams.

Why is National Milk Day Celebrated?

National Milk Day is celebrated to:

  • Honour the contributions of Dr. Verghese Kurien in transforming India's dairy sector
  • Highlight the importance of milk in human nutrition
  • Promote awareness about the health benefits of dairy products
  • Encourage growth and sustainability in the dairy industry

White Revolution: A Turning Point in India

The White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, revolutionized India’s dairy sector.

Key Highlights:

  • Transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest milk producer
  • Strengthened rural economy by empowering farmers
  • Led to the establishment of cooperative institutions like AMUL India’s Position in Global Milk Production
  • India ranks first in global milk production
  • Contributes approximately 32% to the world’s total milk supply
  • Dairy sector plays a vital role in GDP and rural employment

White Revolution 2.0: Future Goals

The government is now focusing on White Revolution 2.0 with ambitious targets:

  • Formation of 75,000 new dairy cooperatives
  • Expansion of milk procurement and processing capacity
  • Target timeline: 2028–2029
  • Enhancing farmers’ income and rural infrastructure
Recent Developments: GST Reforms (2025)
  • GST on most dairy products has been reduced to 0%–5%
  • Aimed at making dairy products more affordable
  • Encourages consumption and supports dairy farmers

Importance for Competitive Exams Questions from this topic are frequently asked in exams like:

  • UPSC
  • SSC
  • Banking Exams
  • State PCS

Key Points to Remember:

  • Date: 26 November
  • Associated Personality: Dr. Verghese Kurien
  • Revolution: White Revolution / Operation Flood
  • India’s Rank: 1st in milk production globally

Conclusion: National Milk Day is not just a tribute to a visionary leader but also a celebration of India’s success in achieving self-sufficiency in milk production. It highlights the importance of nutrition, rural development, and cooperative movements—making it a significant topic for both awareness and exam preparation.