Gujarat Man Establishes Donkey Farm, Sells Donkey Milk Online for Rs 5,000 per Liter

Dhiren Solanki from Gujarat has established a successful donkey farm with 42 donkeys in his village in Patan district. He is earning between 2-3 lakh rupees per month by supplying donkey milk to clients in southern states. His journey began when he was searching for a government job, but found that the private jobs available would not adequately cover his family expenses.

It was then that he discovered donkey rearing in South India and decided to set up his own farm. Initially, Mr. Solanki faced challenges as there was little demand for donkey milk in Gujarat, and he earned nothing for the first five months. However, he adapted by reaching out to companies in South India, where there was a demand, and he now supplies to Karnataka and Kerala.

Among his clients are cosmetic companies that use donkey milk in their products. The milk sells for between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000, compared to cow milk which is sold at Rs 65 per litre. The milk is stored in freezers to maintain its freshness and is also sold in powdered form.

Donkey milk has a long history of use for its health benefits. It has been prescribed by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and is known to have a composition more similar to human milk compared to cow milk. Donkey milk is considered a great choice for infants, especially for those who are allergic to cow milk.

It is also known to have benefits in regulating intestinal microflora and has been studied for its potential in boosting immunity and its anti-diabetic qualities. Despite its many benefits, the availability of donkey milk is still limited, explaining its high prices. Mr. Solanki’s success and the increasing demand for donkey milk highlight its potential in the market.

He has not received any help from the state government so far but hopes that the sector will receive more attention and support in the future.