Which Country Is Called the Milk Capital of the World?

Published: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 12:33 [IST]

When people ask, "Which country is called the Milk Capital of the World?", the answer often leads to India, the world's largest milk producer. Within India, the city of Anand in Gujarat is popularly known as the "Milk Capital of the World" because it is the birthplace of Amul, India's largest dairy cooperative, and the epicentre of the White Revolution.

Why India Is the World's Largest Milk Producer — Photo Credits - AI Image

Anand transformed India's dairy sector by introducing a cooperative model that empowered millions of small dairy farmers and made India self-sufficient in milk production. Today, the city's contribution to the dairy industry is recognized globally.

Why Is Anand Called the Milk Capital of the World?

Anand earned this title because it is home to the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, the organization behind the famous Amul brand. The cooperative movement that began in Anand revolutionized milk production, processing, and distribution across India.

Before the cooperative movement, dairy farmers often struggled with low prices and exploitation by middlemen. The establishment of the cooperative model ensured that farmers received fair prices for their milk while consumers gained access to quality dairy products at affordable rates.

The success of this model eventually spread across the country and became the foundation of India's dairy development programme.

The Birthplace of Amul

Amul was founded in 1946 in Anand with the objective of protecting the interests of local milk producers. Over the decades, the brand has grown into one of India's most trusted dairy companies, offering products such as:

Milk
Butter
Cheese
Ice Cream
Ghee
Paneer
Yogurt
Chocolates
Dairy Beverages

Today, Amul products are sold across India and exported to several countries, making the brand an international symbol of India's dairy success.

Role in the White Revolution

Anand played the most significant role in India's White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, which was launched in 1970. The programme aimed to increase milk production, improve rural incomes, and create a nationwide milk distribution network.

The White Revolution was led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, widely known as the "Father of the White Revolution in India." Under his leadership, the cooperative dairy model developed in Anand expanded across the country.

As a result of Operation Flood:

India became the world's largest milk producer.
Millions of rural families benefited economically.
Dairy farming became a reliable source of income.
Milk became more accessible and affordable for consumers.

India: The World's Largest Milk Producer

India has consistently remained the largest producer of milk in the world, contributing a significant share of global milk production. The country's dairy industry supports millions of farmers, particularly in rural areas, where dairy farming serves as an important source of livelihood.

Several states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Karnataka, contribute substantially to India's milk production.

The cooperative model pioneered in Anand continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's dairy economy.

Institutions Located in Anand

Anand is not only known for Amul but is also home to several important dairy institutions that have shaped India's dairy sector.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established in Anand in 1965 to replicate the successful cooperative dairy model across India. The organization has played a key role in dairy development, farmer welfare, and milk production initiatives.

Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)

Founded in 1979, the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) trains professionals in rural management and cooperative development. It has contributed significantly to strengthening India's rural economy and agricultural institutions.

Economic Importance of Anand

The dairy industry has transformed Anand into one of Gujarat's most prosperous cities. Thousands of people are directly and indirectly employed in dairy processing, transportation, packaging, logistics, research, and marketing.

The city's success demonstrates how cooperative institutions can improve farmers' incomes while ensuring food security and sustainable economic growth.

Interesting Facts About Anand

Anand is located in the Indian state of Gujarat.
It is popularly known as the Milk Capital of the World.
It is the headquarters of the Amul dairy cooperative.
The city played a central role in India's White Revolution.
Dr. Verghese Kurien developed the cooperative dairy movement from Anand.
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is headquartered in Anand.
Anand's cooperative model has inspired dairy development programmes in several countries.

Why Anand's Legacy Matters Today

Anand's journey from a small agricultural town to a globally recognized dairy hub is one of India's greatest development success stories. The city's cooperative model has empowered millions of dairy farmers, improved rural livelihoods, and transformed India into the world's leading milk producer.

The success of Amul and the White Revolution demonstrates how innovation, farmer participation, and cooperative governance can create lasting economic and social change. Even today, Anand remains the heart of India's dairy industry and continues to inspire agricultural and rural development initiatives around the world.

Conclusion

Although India is the world's largest milk-producing country, the city of Anand in Gujarat is widely celebrated as the Milk Capital of the World because of its historic role in establishing Amul, pioneering the cooperative dairy movement, and leading the White Revolution. Its remarkable contribution to dairy farming has not only transformed India's agricultural landscape but has also made Anand a globally recognized symbol of dairy excellence, rural empowerment, and cooperative success.