Explain Operation Flood Programme.

Operation Flood, also known as the White Revolution, was a landmark dairy development program launched in India in 1970 with the aim of transforming the country into a self-sufficient milk producer and improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers. The program was implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien.

Operation Flood introduced a three-tier cooperative structure consisting of dairy cooperatives at the village, district, and state levels, known as "Anand pattern" cooperatives. These cooperatives aimed to organize smallholder dairy farmers into cohesive groups, provide them with access to modern dairy technology, infrastructure, and credit facilities, and facilitate the collection, processing, and marketing of milk and dairy products.

Key components of Operation Flood included the establishment of milk collection centers, chilling plants, dairy processing facilities, and marketing networks, as well as the promotion of crossbreeding programs to improve milk yields. The program also focused on building institutional capacity, training dairy farmers and cooperative members, and promoting women's participation in dairy activities.

Operation Flood revolutionized India's dairy sector, leading to significant increases in milk production, productivity, and rural incomes. It helped reduce dependence on imports of dairy products, created employment opportunities, empowered rural women, and contributed to poverty alleviation and food security. Operation Flood is widely regarded as one of the most successful development programs in India's history.