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

Dhiren Solanki, a resident of Gujarat, has ventured into the business of donkey farming and has achieved significant success. Despite the initial challenges, his donkey milk business has flourished, with his farm now housing 42 donkeys and generating monthly earnings of 2-3 lakh rupees.

Solanki’s journey began when he was searching for employment and learned about the potential of donkey rearing in South India. Despite the lack of demand for donkey milk in Gujarat, he found success by supplying to companies in Southern states, particularly Karnataka and Kerala.

The demand for donkey milk has been primarily driven by its use in various products, including cosmetics, where companies utilize donkey milk as an ingredient. The high price of donkey milk, ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per litre and up to a lakh per kilogram in powdered form, is a stark contrast to the significantly lower cost of cow milk.

The benefits of donkey milk, particularly in the medical field, have contributed to its resurgence. Notably, it is found to have a composition more similar to human milk than cow milk, making it a suitable alternative for infants allergic to cow milk.

Donkey milk also boasts positive effects on gut health, immunity, and anti-diabetic qualities, along with a longer shelf life due to the absence of certain pathogens found in other types of milk. The historical significance of donkey milk is also highlighted, with references to the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribing it for various health conditions.

While donkey milk had seen a decline in modern times, its potential has been rediscovered by scientists, explaining its limited availability and high prices. Solanki’s success has been achieved without assistance from the state government, but he aims to advocate for the development of the donkey farming sector at the government level.

His story serves as a testament to the untapped potential of donkey farming and the growing demand for its milk in various industries.