The name donkey has been used as a metaphor for a hard worker for centuries without recognition. Although quite late, this animal’s milk is now selling for 70 times more than other cattle.
This time, a young man named Dhiren Solanki, a resident of Patan district of Gujarat, India, has built a farm with 42 donkeys. He is earning Rs 2-3 lakh per month by selling milk from this farm to southern states.
The name donkey has been used as a metaphor for a hard worker for centuries without recognition. Although quite late, this animal’s milk is now selling for 70 times more than other cattle.
Mr. about this exceptional initiative. Solanki said that he had been looking for a government job for a long time before starting this initiative.
He said, ‘I got a few private jobs, but this salary could not meet my family’s expenses. It was during this time that I learned about donkey rearing in South India. I met some people and built this farm in my village about 8 months ago.’
He also said that he started the journey with 20 donkeys and a capital of Rs.22 lakh.
Dhiren Solanki said, the beginning was difficult. There was almost no demand for donkey milk in Gujarat, so he could not earn anything in the first five months.
He then started contacting companies in South India, where donkey milk is in demand.
Currently he supplies milk to Karnataka and Kerala. Among his clients are several cosmetic companies, who use donkey milk in their various products.
About its price, he said, the price of donkey milk per liter is between 5 to 7 thousand.
Milk is stored in a refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh. Apart from this, milk is also sold in dry powder form, the price of which is close to one lakh rupees per kg.
Mr. Solanki now has 42 donkeys on his farm and has invested around Rs 38 lakh so far.
He said that till now he has not taken any help from the state government. But he wants the government to focus on this sector.
Benefits of Donkey Milk
Donkey milk was widely used in ancient times.
Some historical accounts claim that the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra bathed in donkey’s milk.
Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is said to have recommended donkey milk for liver problems, nosebleeds, poisoning, infectious diseases and fever.
Despite its many benefits, consumption of donkey’s milk was largely unheard of in modern times until scientists rediscovered its virtues.
And since the availability is still limited, the price is also high.
According to a report by the US National Library of Medicine, donkey milk is more similar in composition to human milk than cow’s milk. It is very beneficial for children, especially for those who are allergic to cow’s milk, making it a great option.
The report further states, ‘Another important medicinal property of donkey milk is its ability to regulate intestinal microflora.’
In other studies, it has been shown to boost immunity and anti-diabetic properties.
Also, donkey milk is good for a long time. Because it does not contain many pathogens found in other milks.
