Which decade-long span most closely represents the initial stage of India’s Operation Flood programme, commonly known as the White Revolution?

Correct Option: 1970 to 1980

Explanation:
Operation Flood, widely known as the White Revolution, was launched in India on January 13, 1970. Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien (often referred to as the "Father of the White Revolution in India") under the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), it transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world's largest milk producer.

The programme was executed in three distinct phases:
• Phase I (1970–1980): The initial stage of Operation Flood focused on linking 18 of India's primary milk sheds with consumers in the four major metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai). This phase was financed through the sale of skimmed milk powder and butter oil donated by the European Economic Community (EEC) via the World Food Programme.
• Phase II (1981–1985): Expanded the milk sheds from 18 to 136 and established a nationwide network of dairy cooperatives.
• Phase III (1985–1996): Focused on consolidating gains, improving animal health and feed quality, and strengthening research and member education.

Therefore, the decade-long span of 1970 to 1980 most closely represents the initial stage (Phase I) of India’s Operation Flood programme.