Farmers rampage at Sabar Dairy, demanding 20–25% bonus hike as audit delays pay.
A mass protest ignited outside Sabar Dairy in Himmatnagar, Gujarat, yesterday as 1,500–2,000 dairy farmers angrily demanded a 20–25% increase in milk procurement bonuses. The unrest followed the cooperative’s reduction of its annual bonus pool from ₹602 cr in 2024 to ₹500 cr this year—a sharp cut seen by farmers as inadequate amid rising inflation.
Tensions quickly escalated: protesters stormed the dairy compound, vandalizing gates, metal grills, and CCTV cameras, and attempted to breach the facility. Police responded with nearly 50 teargas shells to disperse the crowd, followed by arrests of around 40 agitators. Notably, three officers and four police vehicles sustained damages.
On duty, District Superintendent Vijay Patel noted officers offered mediation and access for farmer representatives to dialogue with senior management. However, the protest surged into violence, triggering mild injuries and property harm before law enforcement reestablished control.
Sabar Dairy attributes the lower bonus allocation to an ongoing financial audit, stressing that interim payments are in place and final numbers await audit completion. Farmers reject this justification, arguing that even the previous bonus did not reflect real inflationary pressure and stress the need for a substantive hike.
Independent MLA Dhavalsinh Zala voiced support for the farmers, criticizing both the cooperative leadership and use of force. The protest also underscores the political relevance of the annual GCMMF (Amul) board elections, as farmers assert their role as cooperative stakeholders deserving equitable returns.
Source: Times of India (via Omnicom News) – https://ommcomnews.com/india-news/gujarat-violence-erupts-outside-dairy-as-farmers-demand-fair-milk-prices/
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