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In the annals of India’s agricultural and industrial history, one name shines brightly as a beacon of innovation and transformation – Verghese Kurien. Fondly referred to as the “Milkman of India,” Verghese Kurien’s indomitable spirit, engineering acumen, and unwavering commitment to rural development transformed the dairy industry in India, laying the foundation for its status as the world’s largest milk producer. In this blog, we will explore the life and achievements of this remarkable visionary who founded Amul and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), leaving an indelible mark on India’s dairy landscape.

Early Life and Education

Verghese Kurien was born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala. His early life was marked by academic excellence, earning him a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Government Engineering College in Kozhikode. Later, he went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Michigan State University in the United States under a government scholarship. This academic journey laid the foundation for his later accomplishments in the dairy sector.

The Dairy Revolution Begins

Kurien’s life took an unexpected turn when he joined the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (now known as Amul) in 1949. At that time, India’s dairy sector was in disarray, with exploitative middlemen, low milk yields, and lack of infrastructure plaguing the rural farmers. Kurien’s engineering background came to the forefront as he was tasked with setting up a milk processing plant in Anand, Gujarat.

The defining moment in Kurien’s career came when he partnered with Tribhuvandas Patel, a visionary farmer leader, to establish a cooperative model that would later become the blueprint for India’s dairy sector transformation. Together, they formed the Anand pattern of cooperatives, where farmers became stakeholders, and the entire value chain was owned by them. This model empowered farmers and ensured that they received a fair price for their milk.

The Birth of Amul

In 1955, Verghese Kurien and Tribhuvandas Patel laid the foundation for the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF) to market dairy products under the brand name Amul. The “Amul Girl” mascot became an iconic symbol, and the brand quickly gained recognition across India for its high-quality dairy products.

Kurien’s pioneering efforts didn’t stop at establishing Amul. He played a pivotal role in creating a vast network of milk cooperatives across India, thus replicating the Anand model in various states. His vision was to make India self-sufficient in milk production and improve the socio-economic conditions of millions of dairy farmers.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

In 1965, the Indian government recognized the need for a national agency to replicate the success of Amul on a larger scale. Verghese Kurien was appointed as the chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), a position he held until 1998. Under his leadership, NDDB implemented Operation Flood, a massive dairy development program that transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer. Operation Flood not only increased milk production but also made dairy farming a viable livelihood option for rural households.

Legacy and Impact

Verghese Kurien’s contributions to India’s dairy industry are immeasurable. His commitment to empowering farmers and creating a sustainable dairy ecosystem led to the upliftment of millions from poverty. Amul, under his guidance, became a symbol of rural entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Verghese Kurien’s legacy extends beyond dairy. He championed the idea that social and economic development could be achieved through cooperative models, a concept that has been adopted in various sectors in India and around the world.

Conclusion

Verghese Kurien’s remarkable journey from a young engineer to the “Milkman of India” is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and innovation. His tireless efforts transformed India’s dairy landscape and continue to benefit generations of farmers and consumers. Verghese Kurien’s legacy reminds us that with determination and a sense of purpose, one person can indeed change the world. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire individuals and organizations to work towards sustainable and inclusive development.