India’s rural economy is entering a decisive phase of transformation, with dairy, fisheries, and agriculture-based cooperatives emerging as key drivers of income, employment, and local enterprise. Backed by targeted government programmes, these cooperatives are being repositioned from basic producer groups into professionally supported, market-linked institutions.
The emphasis is no longer only on production, but on value creation, resilience, and inclusion—especially for small farmers and women.
Strengthening Dairy Cooperatives at the Grassroots
Rural dairy cooperatives are receiving focused support under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Under NPDD, interventions span the entire value chain:
Village-level milk procurement systems
Modern milk chilling and cooling facilities
ICT-enabled marketing and logistics
Capacity building for farmers, staff, and cooperative leadership
Upgradation of processing and manufacturing infrastructure
Component B of NPDD, operational across nine states, is specifically designed to expand farmers’ access to organised markets and strengthen producer-owned institutions. The programme has a total outlay of over ₹1,568 crore, supported through a mix of central assistance, state contributions, and international development funding.
White Revolution 2.0: A Cooperative-Led Push
Launched in December 2024, White Revolution 2.0 marks a renewed cooperative-centric approach to dairy development. Implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Cooperation, the initiative aims to expand cooperative coverage, generate rural employment, and significantly enhance women’s participation in the dairy sector.
Over a five-year period (FY 2024–25 to FY 2028–29), the programme targets:
Establishment of 75,000 new multi-purpose dairy cooperatives
Strengthening of 46,000 existing dairy cooperatives
Scaling daily milk procurement to 1,000 lakh kilograms by the end of the programme cycle
Financial assistance under the scheme supports milk collection infrastructure, quality-focused chilling facilities, and large-scale training and skill development.
