Did You Know?

Long before modern irrigation, Gujarat’s pastoral communities like the Maldharis mastered cattle rearing. Using native Kankrej and Gir breeds, adapted to extreme heat and scarce water, they relied on nomadic migration and common pastures to survive harsh climates.

This ancient survival blueprint evolved in 1946 when local farmers formed an Anand-based cooperative to eliminate exploitative middlemen, creating AMUL (Anand Milk Union Limited). Led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, it institutionalized the cooperative model, introduced advanced processing technology, and drove the nation’s White Revolution.

Today, Amul is a global dairy titan, empowering over 3.6 million small-scale farmers by returning up to 85 percent of consumer revenue directly to them. This model made India the world's leading milk producer, contributing nearly 25 percent of global output. Widely known as the "Milkman of India," Dr. Kurien received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, World Food Prize and Padma Vibhushan, among other honours.