Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Operation Flood, launched in 1970, stands as a landmark achievement in India’s agricultural history, transforming the nation from a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer. Inspired by Israeli dairy farming techniques, it was conceived by Verghese Kurien, the “Milkman of India,” and implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The project aimed to increase milk production, improve rural incomes, and establish a sustainable dairy industry through cooperative societies. It fundamentally reshaped India's agrarian landscape and continues to influence dairy practices even today.
Background and Objectives
Prior to Operation Flood, India's dairy sector was fragmented, inefficient, and heavily reliant on cattle breeding. The primary objectives of Operation Flood were:
- Increase milk production through artificial insemination and improved animal breeds.
- Provide a reliable market for milk produced by farmers.
- Enhance rural incomes and improve the standard of living.
- Establish a national-level dairy infrastructure.
Key Aspects of Operation Flood
1. Infrastructure Development
The project focused on establishing and modernizing dairy plants and chilling centers across India. This involved providing:
- Dairy plants with milk processing facilities.
- Refrigerated transport network to preserve milk quality.
- Cold storage facilities.
- Rural milk collection centers.
2. Genetic Improvement
Artificial insemination (AI) was a cornerstone of the program. Frozen semen doses of high-yielding breeds like Jersey, Holstein-Friesian, and Brown Swiss were imported and distributed to rural areas. This significantly improved the genetic potential of indigenous cattle.
3. Cooperative Societies
The cooperative movement was central to Operation Flood's success. Milk producers were organized into village-level dairy cooperatives, which then federated at the district, state, and national levels. This ensured:
- Farmers received a fair price for their milk.
- Cooperatives controlled the entire supply chain, from milk collection to processing and distribution.
- Transparency and accountability in milk pricing.
4. Market Linkages
Operation Flood created a direct link between milk producers and consumers, bypassing intermediaries. Milk was marketed under the brand "Amul," which became synonymous with quality and reliability. This resulted in:
- Increased demand for milk.
- Higher incomes for dairy farmers.
- Greater consumer access to affordable milk.
5. Technology Transfer and Training
The project facilitated the transfer of dairy technology and expertise from Israel and New Zealand. Training programs were conducted for dairy farmers, cooperative managers, and veterinary professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Phases of Operation Flood
| Phase | Years | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | 1970-1980 | Selection of 18 pilot milk sheds, establishment of dairy plants, introduction of AI. |
| Phase II | 1980-1985 | Expansion to 50 additional milk sheds, further genetic improvement. |
| Phase III | 1985-1996 | Nationwide coverage, strengthening of cooperative societies, focus on sustainability. |
Impact and Significance
Operation Flood significantly transformed India’s dairy sector. It not only boosted milk production but also empowered millions of farmers, particularly women, and contributed to rural development. It created a robust dairy infrastructure and established a model for cooperative-based agricultural development.
Conclusion
Operation Flood remains a testament to the power of strategic planning, technological innovation, and cooperative spirit. While the project officially concluded in 1996, its legacy continues to shape India’s dairy industry. The model of empowering farmers through cooperatives and ensuring market linkages remains relevant for agricultural development in other sectors. Sustaining the gains of Operation Flood requires continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and farmer training to address emerging challenges like climate change and market volatility.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.