In the 1950s, India had the world's lowest per capita consumption of milk, despite the fact that the country had the largest cattle herd.
The irony was not lost on social entrepreneur Dr Verghese Kurien, who approached the Indian government with an idea that would become known as the White Revolution, and one that would transform India into the dairy powerhouse it is today.
Kurien recognised the treasure that lay in most backyards across the country. Hindus hold cattle in high esteem and although they do not eat beef, they do drink milk. Most rural households, therefore, keep cattle both for religious and food security purposes. Kurien realised that if these households were able to sell any excess milk they didn't consume, the cows could simultaneously become sources of income for masses of rural Indians while boosting national milk supplies.
During the 1960s, farmers were provided with improved genetics to boost their production. The National Dairy Development Board was established and a national milking grid linking millions of farmers to households was created so that milk could be sold directly to consumers. This eliminated seasonal fluctuations in milk prices, and provided farmers with a transparent pricing system, as there were no middlemen.
As a result, India not only became self-sufficient in dairy but is now the biggest producer of milk in the world.
GROWTH IN DEMAND
The country's per capita milk consumption increased from 130g/person/day in 1950 to 427g/person/day in 2021 and is expected to reach 825g/person/day by 2047.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 21 October 2022 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 21 October 2022 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
Dream Lodge: a digital detox destination
Dinner by candlelight and without digital distractions on an off-grid farm makes this North West lodge the ideal getaway for reconnecting with friends and family, writes Riaan Hattingh.
Optimising nutrient availability for cattle
Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.
Canola: a growing force in South Africa's agricultural landscape
Zander Spammer, an agricultural resource manager at Southern Oil, spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the growth of the canola industry in South Africa and the main uses for this versatile crop.
Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.