Operation Flood was started by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970s. The objective of this programme was to create a nationwide milk grid. The result was that India became the largest producer of Milk and Milk Products. Operation flood is called White Revolution of India.

Operation Flood and its relation to milk production

Operation Flood was a rural development programme launched by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970. The programme was aimed at making India self-sufficient in milk production and helping dairy farmers in the country. The programme was a resounding success and is credited with making India the world's largest producer of milk.

The three phases of Operation Flood

Operation Flood was implemented in three phases over a period of 26 years. Each phase had its specific objectives and targets. The three phases of Operation Flood are:

- Phase I (1970-1980): This phase focused on the establishment of a national milk grid. The NDDB aimed to connect milk producers to urban markets through a network of milk collection centres and processing plants. The programme was successful in increasing milk production and improving the livelihoods of rural milk producers.

- Phase II (1981-1985): This phase focused on consolidating the gains made in Phase I. The NDDB aimed to increase milk production and improve the quality of milk through the introduction of modern techniques and equipment. The programme was successful in increasing the number of milk producers and improving the quality of milk.

- Phase III (1985-1996): This phase focused on expanding the milk grid to cover the entire country. The NDDB aimed to establish a sustainable milk production system that could meet the growing demand for milk. The programme was successful in increasing milk production, improving the livelihoods of rural milk producers, and reducing rural poverty.

The impact of Operation Flood

Operation Flood had a significant impact on the Indian economy and society. Some of the key impacts of the programme are:

- Increased milk production: Operation Flood led to a significant increase in milk production in India. Between 1970 and 1998, milk production increased from 21 million tonnes to 78 million tonnes.

- Improved rural livelihoods: Operation Flood helped to improve the livelihoods of rural milk producers by providing them with access to markets, credit, and technology. The programme also helped to reduce rural poverty by providing a stable source of income to rural households.

- Increased employment opportunities: Operation Flood created employment opportunities in the dairy sector, particularly for women. The programme also helped to improve the status of women in rural areas by giving them greater control over household income.

- Boosted the economy: Operation Flood had a significant impact on the Indian economy. The programme helped to reduce India's dependence on imported dairy products and saved foreign exchange. It also created a large market for dairy products, which helped to stimulate the growth of the food processing industry.

In conclusion, Operation Flood was a landmark programme in the history of Indian agriculture. The programme was successful in making India self-sufficient in milk production and improving the livelihoods of rural milk producers. The programme's success was due to its innovative approach, sound implementation strategy, and the commitment of the NDDB and its partners.