Verghese Kurien: Architect of India’s Dairy Revolution

Verghese Kurien, born on 26th November 1921, emerged as a visionary social entrepreneur whose transformative initiatives revolutionised India’s dairy sector, earning him the moniker “Father of the White Revolution.” His pioneering concept, Operation Flood, not only elevated dairy farming to India’s largest self-sustaining industry but also became a significant rural employment generator, contributing substantially to rural income.

Early Life and Education

Verghese Kurien, hailing from Kozhikode, Kerala, was born into an Anglican Suriyani Nasrani family. His educational journey included stints at the Diamond Jubilee Higher Secondary School in Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu, Loyola College, the College of Engineering in Guindy, and the Tata Steel Technical Institute in Jamshedpur. Kurien’s pursuit of knowledge led him to study dairy engineering in the United States at Michigan State University, where he earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

The Turning Point

In 1949, Kurien was assigned by the Indian government to work at the experimental creamery in Anand, Bombay province. It was here that he crossed paths with Tribhuvandas Patel, the founder of a cooperative aimed at procuring milk from farmers. Kurien’s life-altering decision to assist Patel in developing this dairy cooperative laid the foundation for the creation of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited, popularly known as Amul, in 1950.

The Foundation of the Dairy and Its Structure

Amul grappled with the challenge of fluctuating milk production during different seasons. To counter this, Kurien’s colleague, H. M. Dalaya, devised a method to produce skim milk powder and condensed milk from buffalo milk, a more abundant resource in India than cow milk. This innovation proved instrumental to Amul’s success. The cooperative model, championed by Kurien, empowered farmers to directly engage with consumers, eliminating middlemen and establishing Amul as a unique force.

Political and Social Conditions

Verghese Kurien’s visionary dairy cooperative model garnered support from political leaders who recognised its significance for post-independence India’s food security and self-sufficiency. Aligning economic self-interest with cooperative principles, Kurien successfully bridged diverse sections of society.

Consolidation and Nationwide Expansion

The success of Amul’s cooperative model led to its replication across India. Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri entrusted Kurien with the task of expanding this model nationally. Kurien founded the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and initiated the movement of high-yield native cattle to urban areas with UNDP support. Several Indian states adopted this model, establishing their cooperatives based on the Amul paradigm.

Market Domination and Legacy

Under Verghese Kurien’s leadership, India emerged as the world’s largest milk producer by 1998, surpassing the United States. His efforts prevented multinational companies from dominating the dairy sector, ensuring its control remained in the hands of cooperatives. Kurien’s legacy extended beyond India, with the establishment of institutions like the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and various cooperative ventures worldwide.

In Popular Culture and Beyond

Verghese Kurien’s influence transcended his professional accomplishments. He played a pivotal role in the success of the “Amul girl” ad campaign and the iconic TV series Surabhi. His contributions to the dairy sector continue to inspire scholars, managers, and leaders grappling with ongoing rural challenges.

The Final Chapter

Verghese Kurien passed away on 9th September 2012, at the age of 90. His impactful legacy endures, with the 26th of November observed as National Milk Day in India to commemorate his birthday. Kurien’s extraordinary journey, from a young student with a vision to the Father of the White Revolution, stands as a testament to the potency of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to a cause. His enduring legacy lives on in the dairy industry and in the hearts of millions of farmers and consumers whom he transformed.

Awards and Honors

Verghese Kurien’s illustrious career garnered numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, the World Food Prize, the Wateler Peace Prize, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Honorary doctorate degrees from universities worldwide recognised his contributions, and his legacy continues to be celebrated as a beacon of India’s dairy success.