Amul, the epitome of cooperative success, marks its golden jubilee, continuing to empower 3.6 million farmers in Gujarat’s transformative dairy legacy.
In the quaint village of Bedwa, Nilesh Patel, a 35-year-old farmer, pauses amidst his daily routine to check his phone. Having just sold milk to the local cooperative, Patel receives instant payment, a testament to the efficiency of the cooperative system. He is among the thousands of member-producers benefitting from the cooperative model, a tradition passed down through generations.
Patel’s story resonates across 18,600 village dairy cooperative societies in Gujarat, united under the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). This vast network, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is instrumental in uplifting rural livelihoods, managing 30 million liters of milk daily and generating an annual turnover of ₹80,000 crore.
The Amul brand, synonymous with quality dairy products, is a result of this collective effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other dignitaries, will commemorate this milestone, acknowledging the pivotal role of Amul in India’s dairy landscape.
Rooted in a history of struggle and resilience, the Amul model emerged in response to the exploitation faced by farmers in the milk marketing system. Spearheaded by leaders like Morarji Desai and Tribhuvandas Patel, the cooperative movement gained momentum, culminating in the establishment of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd in 1946.
Impressed by Amul’s success, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri initiated Operation Flood, catalyzing a nationwide dairy revolution. Under the visionary leadership of Verghese Kurien, Amul’s impact extended beyond Gujarat, shaping India’s dairy sector and inspiring similar cooperatives worldwide.
Today, GCMMF stands as a testament to Kurien’s vision, with 98 dairy plants across India and a diverse product portfolio. Despite evolving challenges, GCMMF remains committed to its founding principles, empowering farmers and fostering economic growth.
Looking ahead, GCMMF aims to diversify its product range and enhance productivity, further cementing its position as a leader in the global dairy industry.
In the spirit of cooperation and innovation, Amul continues to transform lives, embodying the timeless values of self-reliance and community empowerment.
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