Sabar Dairy, located in Sabarkantha, has made a significant announcement for local dairy farmers. In its 61st annual general meeting, the dairy declared an increase in the price of milk fat to ₹995 per kilo. This decision comes after a period of protests from farmers, who were demanding a fair price for their milk. Previously, farmers had already received ₹960 per kilo as an advance payment. The remaining ₹35 will be paid on August 13, 2023.
The meeting was held peacefully, with no disputes or objections from the attendees. All decisions were made unanimously, bringing joy to the farmers in the region. Over three lakh farmers from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts will benefit from this price increase. This development is significant, especially after farmers threatened to protest if their demands were not met during the meeting.
The dairy had previously set the price at ₹395 per kilo, which led to widespread protests among farmers who demanded a 20% increase. The protests escalated, leading to clashes between farmers and police on July 14, as farmers took to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction.
In the wake of these protests, the Sabar Dairy management held discussions and assured farmers that their concerns would be addressed. The decision announced in the meeting marks a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the dairy and the farmers.
Going forward, the dairy has decided that any price adjustments will be made before June 30 each year. Additionally, meetings with the board of directors will be held to ensure better communication with farmers. The meeting also marked the first gathering after the milk marketing federation elections, with key representatives from the districts present.
Farmers had expressed their anger at the dairy’s previous pricing decisions and had threatened indefinite protests starting August 12 if their demands were not met. The announcement of the new price is expected to stabilize the situation and restore trust between Sabar Dairy and the farmers.
This increase is seen as a positive step for the local dairy industry, which plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many families in the region. As farmers continue to depend on fair pricing for their products, this decision by Sabar Dairy should help improve their economic conditions significantly.
Overall, the recent developments highlight the importance of dialogue between dairy management and farmers. It shows that when both parties come together to discuss issues, solutions can be found that benefit everyone involved. The dairy’s commitment to listening to farmers’ needs is a promising sign for the future of the dairy industry in Gujarat.