Dairy Can Solve Rural Migration, Make Farmers Prosperous: HM Amit Shah

New Delhi- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the “Workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy Sector” in New Delhi, emphasizing the Modi government’s commitment to strengthening India’s dairy industry. He underlined the crucial role of sustainability and resource efficiency in achieving the goals of White Revolution 2.0, a movement aimed at making India’s dairy sector self-sufficient and globally competitive.

Empowering Small Farmers Through Dairy

Shah highlighted how the dairy sector is a key pillar of rural prosperity, providing financial security to small and landless farmers. He noted that dairy farming not only boosts nutrition and employment but also reduces migration from villages to cities. “Dairy is an important option to solve the problem of rural migration and to make small farmers prosperous,” he said.

He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a $5 trillion economy, the world’s third-largest economy, and a fully developed nation by 2047. To achieve these ambitious goals, Shah stressed the need for a robust farm-to-factory value chain that ensures profits directly reach farmers, rather than being absorbed by corporate middlemen.

The Role of Cooperatives in the Dairy Revolution

The Minister underscored the importance of cooperative models, stating that the mantra of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) is helping rural communities thrive. He noted that in cooperative dairy setups, over 75% of consumer revenue reaches farmers, compared to just 32% in corporate dairy firms.

A key takeaway from the event was the success of Gujarat’s Micro ATM model, which provides financial convenience to livestock farmers. Shah urged the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to expand this model across all districts in India.

Circular Economy & Sustainability in Dairy

Under White Revolution 2.0, the government aims to establish a state-level milk union in every state and UT, as well as milk unions in 80% of districts nationwide. This initiative will focus on sustainability, efficiency, and circularity—ensuring that resources like cow dung and methane emissions are monetized, benefiting farmers.

Shah stressed that carbon credits from reduced methane emissions should directly go to farmers, making dairy farming more lucrative and environmentally responsible. He also highlighted that 72% of employees in cooperative dairy ventures are women, showcasing how the sector is driving women’s empowerment and employment.

A Vision for the Future

The event, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), saw participation from key figures like Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Ministers of State S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurien.

Shah concluded by affirming that the Modi government is dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and markets, ensuring that India’s dairy sector remains a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and farmer welfare.