Farmers in Himmatnagar riot over bonus cut, police respond with tear gas and baton charge.
A peaceful protest by 1,500–2,000 dairy farmers in Himmatnagar, Gujarat, turned violent as they demanded a boost to the annual bonus from Sabar Dairy, part of the Amul brand federation. Uproar erupted over a reduction from ₹602 crore last year to ₹500 crore this season, with farmers calling for a 20–25% hike to offset rising inflation and operational costs.
The assembly of farmers from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts escalated when they attempted to storm the dairy premises, prompting police to respond with approximately 50 tear gas shells and baton charges. The unrest led to property damage—including CCTV cameras, gates, and four police vehicles—and injuries to three officers.
Sabar Dairy officials clarified that only an interim bonus had been disbursed, pending final audit results. Farmers, skeptical of this delay, demanded immediate revision. The dairy’s managing director cited compliance with audit completion before final payment, but this failed to calm the crowd.
Independent MLA Dhavalsinh Zala backed the farmers, condemning the police’s forceful tactics. With leadership elections looming at Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which oversees Sabar Dairy, political tensions have further intensified the dispute.
The clash highlights the broader issue of cooperative dairy governance, farmer income pressure, and inflation-linked payouts. As farmers resort to aggressive confrontation, it underscores the need for proactive dialogue between unions and dairy authorities to sustain rural livelihoods and avoid community unrest.
Source: Bhaskar English – https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/gujarat/news/tear-gas-fired-lathicharge-as-protest-outside-sabar-dairy-himmatnagar-turns-violent-135445078.html
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