The dairy cooperative honours the architect of India’s White Revolution and his lasting contribution to the cooperative dairy movement.
Amul has paid tribute to Dr Verghese Kurien on his 14th death anniversary, remembering his transformative contribution to India’s dairy sector and cooperative movement. Kurien, who passed away on September 9, 2012, is widely recognised as the architect of the country’s White Revolution.
Kurien’s vision of organising milk producers into farmer-owned cooperatives laid the foundation for the Amul model. His approach placed farmers at the centre of milk procurement, processing and marketing, helping producers gain greater control over the value chain and strengthening their economic position.
A major milestone in his career was Operation Flood, launched in 1970. The programme expanded the cooperative dairy model developed in Anand across India and helped transform the country from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s leading milk producer. It also contributed to improved farmer incomes and wider access to organised dairy markets.
Kurien’s legacy extends beyond increasing milk production. His emphasis on farmer ownership, professional management and direct connections between producers and consumers established cooperatives as an important tool for rural economic development. The model also created opportunities for women and strengthened the role of dairy cooperatives in village economies.
Amul’s tribute highlights the continuing relevance of Kurien’s vision as India’s dairy industry evolves. His contribution remains closely associated with the growth of the Amul movement and the wider cooperative approach to empowering milk producers.
Today, Dr Kurien is remembered not only as the “Father of the White Revolution,” but also as a leader who demonstrated how farmer-owned institutions can become powerful engines of inclusive rural development.