White revolution transforming villagers' lives in Jharkhand

Chatra (Jharkhand), Sep.10 : The well-known White Revolution, launched in 1969-70 enabled the country to be counted amongst the world's leading milk producing countries.

A relatively small "white revolution" has been given birth in District Chatra's Simaria block in Jharkhand.

Fifteen years ago when Devnarayan Singh, a local resident, ventured into the field of milk production. His subsequent success in the following years has motivated many people to take to milk production trade.

Devnarayan Singh has emerged today as the prime mover for inspiring a white revolution in the Simaria block. He has enabled a lot of local residents to become economically self-sufficient through milk production.

Devnarayan has also set a unique example for the fellow villagers to aquire a permanent and secured source of income.

Devnarayan has been also honoured with a gold medal and certificate in Chatra's Farmers Exhibition for his significant contribution in milk production.

Devnarayan Singh, says: " I have been into this field since 1995.Many people have come forward and now they have also started this work at their homes. This work is the main source of their income and now they are earning a good amount through this work."

Earlier, there was no dairy farm in the area that used to cause problems for the local residents. But, now things have changed for good and people are engaged in milk production at their houses.

Basant Singh, one of the milk producers in Simaria, says: " I am doing this work and getting a good benefit. It is supporting my family in many ways. This work has changed our lives."

Each day thousands of liters of milk is sent to various places in the block as well as to other places. Due to good quality of milk, it always has a high demand.

Mahavir Aggarwal, a businessman in Simaria, said: " There is a huge difference between the quality of milk from rural and urban areas. I mostly use the milk brought from rural areas because of its better quality."

Operation Flood was a rural development programme started by India's National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970. One of the largest of its kind, the programme objective was to create a nationwide milk grid.

It resulted in making India one of the largest producers of milk and milk products, and hence is also called the White Revolution of India by Girija Shanka Ojha

ANI