Sabarkantha, Gujarat | July 14, 2025 – A protest led by cattle rearers outside Sabar Dairy in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district turned violent on Monday, leaving three police officers injured after a confrontation over milk procurement prices.
The demonstrators, primarily dairy farmers affiliated with the Sabarkantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (Sabar Dairy), assembled at the Himmatnagar facility, demanding a 20–25% increase in procurement rates, significantly more than the 9–10% hike announced by the dairy earlier this year.
The situation escalated when protesters attempted to move toward the main entrance of the dairy. “When they were stopped near the main gate, some protesters began hurling stones at the police, which left three policemen injured. Some police vehicles were also damaged,” said District Superintendent of Police Vijay Patel.
In response to the unrest, police used crowd-control measures. “To control the situation and disperse the mob, we fired nearly 50 tear gas shells. So far, we have detained 40 protesters. The situation is under control, and adequate force has been deployed at the site to maintain law and order,” Patel added.
Earlier, Patel also stated: “All dairy farmers made a call to Sabarkantha Dairy regarding the price rise. Yesterday, the dairy officials released a video stating an audit is underway, and the new rates will be announced afterwards…”
Independent MLA Dhavalsinh Zala, representing the Bayad constituency, visited the protest site to express solidarity with the dairy farmers before leaving as tensions escalated. He strongly supported their demand, stating:
“Hundreds of cattle rearers, who are members of this dairy, gathered outside seeking meaningful dialogue with the board of directors over procurement prices. They must get justice. I urge the board to accept their demand. I condemn the police action against cattle rearers, who are the real owners of this dairy.”
