On May 20, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a pivotal meeting in New Delhi to advance sustainability and circularity in the cooperative dairy sector. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, and representatives from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NABARD, marked a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
New Multi-State Cooperative Societies
Under the White Revolution 2.0 initiative, the meeting decided to establish three new multi-state cooperative societies to strengthen the dairy sector. These societies will focus on key areas to enhance sustainability and farmer welfare:
Focus Areas of New Cooperatives
| Cooperative Society | Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| First Society | Animal Feed Production, Disease Control, Artificial Insemination | Improve livestock health and productivity |
| Second Society | Cow Dung Management Models | Promote sustainable waste management |
| Third Society | Circular Use of Dead Cattle Remains | Enhance circular economy practices |
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Dairy
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that White Revolution 2.0 aims to create an ecosystem of sustainable dairy practices while promoting a circular economy. He highlighted the need for an integrated cooperative network where activities like animal feed production, disease control, and dung management are managed collaboratively. This approach will not only boost farmers’ income but also make the dairy sector more environmentally friendly.
Carbon Credits for Farmers
A key focus of the meeting was ensuring that carbon credits directly benefit farmers through scientific models. By integrating carbon credit mechanisms, the initiative aims to reward farmers for sustainable practices, further strengthening their financial stability and incentivizing eco-friendly dairy operations.
Strengthening Cooperative Networks
The cooperative dairy sector is a cornerstone of rural development, providing livelihoods to millions of rural families. Shri Amit Shah noted that dairy cooperatives, exemplified by models like Amul, offer stable markets, credit facilities, veterinary services, and breeding support. These societies also empower women by increasing their participation in the dairy value chain, contributing significantly to the rural economy.
Role of National Institutions
The meeting acknowledged the contributions of institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and NABARD. Their collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying are accelerating policy-making, financing, and the formation of multipurpose village-level cooperatives. The NDDB’s biogas and cow dung management programs are being expanded nationwide to promote sustainability.
From Sustainability to Circularity
Shri Amit Shah emphasized the transition from sustainability to circularity, where cooperatives take on roles traditionally handled by the private sector, such as technical services, animal feed production, and food processing. This shift aligns with the vision of “Cooperation among Cooperatives”, fostering a self-reliant and integrated dairy ecosystem that supports Prime Minister Modi’s goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Key Highlights
- Meeting chaired by Shri Amit Shah on May 20, 2025 to advance sustainability and circularity in the cooperative dairy sector.
- Three new multi-state cooperative societies established under White Revolution 2.0 for animal feed, cow dung management, and circular use of cattle remains.
- Direct carbon credit benefits to be provided to farmers through scientific models.
- Dairy cooperatives, like Amul, strengthen the rural economy by supporting farmers and empowering women.
- NDDB, NCDC, and NABARD collaborate to enhance policy-making and cooperative networks.
- Vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” drives sustainable and integrated dairy ecosystems for a Viksit Bharat.