Cattle Farmers’ Protest Against Sabar Dairy Enters Its Third Day, Milk Collection Suspended Across Aravalli
Arvalli: The protest led by dairy farmers in Gujarat’s Aravalli district entered its third day today. Frustrated by the lack of response to their demands, the farmers intensified their agitation by spilling milk in front of dairy collection centers as a symbol of defiance. They also expressed anger towards the administration of Sabarkantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (Sabar Dairy) through public demonstrations.
As part of the protest, all milk collection across the district has been suspended. This has severely disrupted the operations of Sabar Dairy, affecting both the storage and distribution of milk.
The agitation revolves around dissatisfaction with milk pricing. It escalated after police complaints were filed against protesting farmers and clashes occurred during demonstrations outside the Himatnagar Dairy. In response, the farmers have vowed to intensify their struggle until their voices are heard.
Early in the morning, large numbers of farmers gathered at local milk collection points, not to sell milk, but to pour it out in protest. The act of deliberately wasting their own produce underscores the depth of their anger and determination.
In the village of Vanta Rampur, farmers blocked roads and spilled milk on the streets. In Isrol and Umedpur villages, women took a symbolic approach by creating effigies representing the Sabar Dairy management. These effigies were paraded in mock funeral processions and then set on fire at public crossroads, symbolizing the farmers’ fury and rejection of the current administration.
The protesting farmers have two primary demands: a fair and sustainable milk pricing structure and the withdrawal of police complaints against those who participated in peaceful protests. Alpesh Chimanbhai Patel, a farmer with 15 years of experience in dairy farming, stated, “This problem with milk prices shouldn’t exist. We urge the government to step in and resolve it urgently.”
Women from the Ambaliya Dairy group added their voices, insisting on milk prices that offer at least a 20–25% profit margin. “Come to our cattle sheds and see how we labor—cleaning stables, cutting and hauling fodder, carrying heavy loads on our heads. We are simply asking for fair compensation for the hard work we do every single day,” they said.
As the protest stretches into yet another day, tensions remain high in the region, with dairy farmers resolute in their demands for justice and fair treatment.
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