In the Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts of Gujarat, dairy farmers are raising their voices against the local dairy cooperative, Sabardairy. They demand an increase in the price of fat for milk. During this protest, farmers from Rajendranagar village in the Himmatnagar taluka chose a unique way to express their discontent. Instead of wasting milk, they decided to put it to good use. Members of the dairy in Rajendranagar filled milk in containers and transported it in a tractor-trailer to the National Highway. There, they distributed free milk to passing truck drivers, other vehicle drivers, and travelers. Earlier, dairy cooperatives from various talukas in both districts had protested by not supplying milk to Sabardairy. In some areas, farmers even let milk flow into the streets as a form of protest.
The situation in Sabarkantha is significant, as the district is home to a large number of livestock. Among its eight talukas, Idar has the highest livestock population. According to the 20th livestock census conducted in 2019, there are over 230,000 animals in Idar, including cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, camels, and horses. This represents a growth of about 25% compared to the previous census in 2007. The livestock census is conducted every seven years by the animal husbandry department. In 2019, Idar recorded the highest number of livestock among the eight talukas. The number of cows in Idar alone exceeds 123,000, along with around 125 horses. On the other hand, the lowest number of animals was recorded in the Vadali taluka, while Vijay Nagar, considered a trial block, also reported over 105,000 animals.
The increasing population of livestock, particularly cattle and buffalo, indicates a growing dairy industry in Sabarkantha. The dairy farmers believe that without fair prices for their products, the future of dairy farming in the region may be at risk. They argue that the current prices do not reflect the rising costs of feed and maintenance. The protest through milk distribution is not just a statement; it is a crucial message to authorities about their plight and needs. By sharing milk with the community, they also aim to garner public support for their cause.
As the dairy farmers continue to protest, the situation remains tense. They are hopeful that their actions will lead to a positive response from the authorities and a fair resolution to their demands. This unique form of protest highlights the strong connection between dairy farmers and their communities, as they strive to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to the local economy. The outcome of this protest could have significant implications for the dairy industry in Gujarat, especially in regions like Sabarkantha where agriculture and animal husbandry are vital to the local economy.