Amul's Triumph: 3.6 Million Women Power Cooperative Movement, Inspiring 'White Revolution 2.0'

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah recently highlighted Amul phenomenal success, attributing its strength to the tireless efforts of 3.6 million women dairy farmers. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the world's largest curd manufacturing plant in West Bengal, Shah underscored how this cooperative model truly empowers women and fuels inclusive economic development across India. This new Rs 700-crore Amul Bengal Dairy Project, located at Howrah Food Park, is set to significantly boost the region's dairy sector. This strong endorsement comes as the Ministry of Cooperation, established five years ago under Shah's leadership, pushes for 'White Revolution 2.0,' aiming to expand cooperative coverage and increase milk procurement significantly. Amul, managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has long been a shining example of the 'Anand Pattern,' where farmers, especially women, control the entire dairy chain from procurement to marketing. This ensures that a large portion of the consumer's money directly benefits the milk producers, as Shah noted that approximately 87 paise of every rupee spent on Amul products goes back to the farmers. The Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Howrah is expected to process 30 lakh litres of milk daily once fully operational, benefiting over 1.25 lakh farmers in West Bengal alone, including 30,000 women farmers. This expansion, along with other initiatives under the Ministry of Cooperation like strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and launching new digital platforms, signals a renewed national focus on cooperative-led growth. The goal is to solidify India's position as the world's largest milk producer, leveraging the 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' vision for a prosperous India.