Why in the news
Nitin Desai wrote that farmer-run cooperatives deserve a larger role than government agencies, and proposed applying the Amul approach to Agri-PV under PM-KUSUM.
Growth comparison, FY2012 to FY2024
| Sector | Growth |
|---|
| Milk | 85% |
| Fruits and vegetables | 52% |
| Paddy and wheat | 27% |
- Subsidy-driven crops grew slowly, while producer-led sectors did much better.
- Milk now outweighs cereals in value.
- Fertiliser plus food subsidy stands at ₹4 trillion; over 80 crore people receive free grain under PMGKAY.
The Amul model
- Began in 1946 at Anand, Gujarat; Anand Milk Union Limited; founded by Tribhuvandas Patel and led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution.
- Strength: farmers own and run it, profits reach them directly, no middlemen.
- NDDB set up in 1965 by Kurien with Lal Bahadur Shastri’s backing to promote dairy cooperatives.
- Operation Flood (1970), the White Revolution, made India the largest milk producer.
Agri-PV and PM-KUSUM
| Topic | Notes |
|---|
| Agri-PV | Panels above crops, crops below; farmers earn from both; saves water; clean energy; higher incomes |
| PM-KUSUM | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan, 2019, under MNRE |
| Component A | Grid-connected solar plants |
| Component B | Standalone solar pumps |
| Component C | Solarisation of existing pumps |
Why cooperatives
- Small average holding of 1.08 hectares.
- Pooled land and investment, easier bank loans, shared profits and better project management.
Exam angle
- Amul: 1946, Anand; Kurien; NDDB 1965; Operation Flood 1970.
- PM-KUSUM: 2019, MNRE, three components.