Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah paid tribute to Tribuvandas Patel on his birth anniversary, recognising his contribution to India’s dairy cooperative movement and the development of the White Revolution. Patel played a pioneering role in building a cooperative model that helped dairy farmers collectively strengthen their livelihoods and establish a lasting foundation for rural prosperity.
In a social media post, Shah highlighted Patel’s contribution under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In 1946, Tribuvandas Patel sowed the seeds of the Kheda District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union in Gujarat. The initiative eventually grew into Amul, one of India’s most recognised dairy brands and a major symbol of the country’s cooperative movement.
Amul and the Growth of Dairy Cooperatives
The Kheda District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union laid the groundwork for a cooperative structure through which milk producers could work collectively. The movement helped establish a model connecting dairy farmers with organised milk procurement and marketing.
According to Shah, the cooperative movement that emerged from Patel’s efforts has grown into a major source of prosperity, supporting more than 36 lakh farmers and lakhs of women. The development of Amul reflects the scale and long-term impact of the cooperative framework initiated in Kheda.
Patel’s contribution remains closely associated with the evolution of India’s dairy cooperative sector. His work demonstrated the importance of collective participation in building institutions that serve farmers and support rural economic development.
Tribuvandas Cooperative University Established in Anand
Shah also highlighted the establishment of Tribuvandas Cooperative University in Anand, Gujarat, named in honour of Patel. He described it as the country’s first National Cooperative University, established to provide trained leadership for the cooperative sector.
The university represents an effort to strengthen the capabilities and leadership required to support cooperative institutions. Developing trained professionals and leaders is important for sustaining the sector and helping cooperative organisations respond to changing needs.
By naming the institution after Tribuvandas Patel, the country has also recognised his lasting contribution to cooperative development and dairy farming.
A Lasting Legacy for India’s Cooperative Sector
Tribuvandas Patel’s work continues to be remembered for its role in shaping India’s dairy cooperative movement. His contribution to the establishment of the Kheda cooperative and the growth of Amul helped create a model centred on collective effort and farmer prosperity.
Shah said Patel’s life and dedication to cooperation would continue to inspire the national vision of achieving “Prosperity through Cooperation.”
The tribute underscores the continuing importance of dairy cooperatives in supporting farmers, strengthening rural livelihoods and developing institutions that serve milk producers. Patel’s legacy remains a significant part of India’s dairy history and its broader cooperative development journey.