How Amul Saved India | The Untold Story of White Revolution | Dhruv Rathee

Dhruv Rathee19 minutes read

Farmers in several states suffer from wasted produce due to poor storage facilities and low market prices for items like tomatoes; the success story of Amul in Gujarat highlights the benefits of cooperative models to combat unfair pricing and promote economic independence in the dairy industry.

Insights

  • Farmers in various states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Haryana face challenges of dumping perishable produce due to inadequate cold storage facilities and low market prices, causing frustration and wastage of essential crops like tomatoes, onions, garlic, sugarcane, wheat, and corn.
  • The establishment of Amul, a cooperative by dairy farmers in Gujarat in response to unfair pricing, not only brought economic independence to farmers but also revolutionized the dairy industry by emphasizing a cooperative model, leading to technological innovations like the world's first buffalo milk spray drier and significant contributions by Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution.

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Recent questions

  • Why are farmers forced to dump produce?

    Farmers dump produce due to lack of storage and low prices.

  • How did Amul combat unfair pricing?

    Amul was founded by dairy farmers to create a cooperative model.

  • Who played a crucial role in the dairy industry?

    Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution.

  • What technological innovation revolutionized milk powder production?

    Invention of the world's first buffalo milk spray drier.

  • How did Amul's success impact the dairy industry?

    Amul's success led to positive impacts on India's dairy industry.

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Summary

00:00

"Farmers' Struggle: From Wastage to Success"

  • Farmers in various states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Haryana are forced to dump perishable produce like tomatoes due to lack of cold storage facilities and low prices offered in the market.
  • The frustration of farmers leads to wastage of tomatoes, onions, garlic, sugarcane, wheat, and corn when they receive very low prices for their produce.
  • In 1945, dairy farmers in Gujarat faced similar issues with non-negotiable prices for milk until they formed a cooperative called Amul, which became a successful organization.
  • Amul, a pioneer in the dairy industry, was founded by dairy farmers in Gujarat to combat unfair pricing and create a cooperative model.
  • The cooperative structure of Amul includes village cooperative societies, member unions, and a state-level federation, emphasizing equality and democratic decision-making.
  • The success of Amul led to economic independence for dairy farmers in Kaira district, saving money for the Bombay Milk Scheme and increasing milk production.
  • Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution, played a crucial role in the dairy industry by studying dairy engineering and joining the government as an Officer of the Dairy Division in Anand.
  • Dr. Kurien's encounter with Tribhuvandas Patel and his involvement in the Kaira Cooperative Union led to the establishment of a new plant for dairy production, marking the beginning of his impactful journey in the dairy sector.

13:44

Amul: Revolutionizing Dairy Industry Through Innovation

  • In 1950, Dr. Kurien became the Executive Head of the Cooperative, showcasing his dedication and patriotism akin to Mohan Bharghav from the film Swadesh.
  • Dr. Kurien's decision to stay back was driven by his passion for the work rather than noble intentions, leading to significant contributions to the dairy industry.
  • Technological innovation by Dr. Harichand Megha Dalay in 1955 resulted in the invention of the world's first buffalo milk spray drier, revolutionizing milk powder production.
  • The brand name "Amul" was suggested in 1957, derived from the Sanskrit word "Amulya," meaning Priceless, and also an abbreviation of Anand Milk Union Limited, reflecting the cooperative's values.
  • Amul's butter initially faced challenges due to its white color and lack of salt, but strategic adjustments led to its success, surpassing Polson Butter in sales.
  • The success of Amul led to the formation of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation in 1973, with Amul's brand name extended to the federation, impacting India's dairy industry positively.
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