In India, donkeys have been humble working beasts for centuries—used for transportation and agricultural labor. But in today's world, they are more than work animals. Donkey farming is now gaining attention for a much more valuable reason: donkey's milk. Known for its healing and skin-improving properties, donkey's milk is being referred to as the ‘white gold’ of the future.
India has around 4.4 lakh donkeys, and the majority of them are utilized for physical labor. However, with growing demand for donkey milk in cities, beauty products firms, and even the pharmaceutical sector, farmers now have a golden chance to make a switch towards donkey dairying.
A Gift from History: Donkey Milk and Its Medicinal Legacy
Donkey milk has been utilized since ancient times. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed it for the treatment of liver ailments, infections, wounds, and fever. Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, bathed in donkey milk to maintain youthful and radiant skin. Even in certain regions of Tamil Nadu today, tiny quantities of donkey milk are administered to newborns to build immunity and enhance voice clarity.
Unlike buffalo or cow's milk, donkey milk has low protein and fat content but high lactose content, a characteristic that places it close to human breast milk. This characteristic makes it easily digestible and suitable for consumption by children with milk allergies as well as for older individuals who have digestion problems.
Nutrition and Health in Every Drop
Donkey milk contains strong anti-microbial enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, they are naturally occurring agents that combat harmful bacteria. It is high in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also present in it, which are necessary for brain growth and heart health.
Its high retinol (vitamin A) content provides it with incredible skin-healing properties. It is for this reason that it features as a widely used ingredient in soaps, creams, and moisturizers by high-end cosmetic brands.
Setting Up a Donkey Farm: Easier Than You Think
Donkey farming is less expensive than other livestock types. Donkeys are easy-maintenance animals and need simple fodder, shelter, and attention. A female donkey (jenny) is able to give milk after producing a foal. Milking is seasonal as well as hand milking with only around 1.5 to 2 liters per day being collected for only 4–5 months of the year.
Donkeys have two teats and need to be milked three times a day. They need the presence of the foal in order to allow milk to let down. While production is small, the very high selling price is between Rs. 2,000 and up to Rs. 7,000 per litre. These prices make it an extremely profitable enterprise even at a small level.
Where Is the Market? The Demand is Real
The donkey's milk market is increasing steadily and holds huge potential for Indian farmers who are ready to harness this niche but high-value market. Health-conscious urban consumers are increasingly opting for donkey's milk due to its high nutritional value, particularly for children and individuals with cow milk allergies. Cosmetic firms have also started incorporating it as a main ingredient in high-end skincare products such as soaps, lotions, and anti-ageing creams due to its rich retinol and vitamin content.
Pharmaceutical companies are looking into its uses in enhancing immunity and gut health. The specialty cheese makers in Europe already use donkey milk to produce "Pule" cheese which is the world's most expensive cheese.
Donkey milk is also sold locally in India, specifically in Tamil Nadu, at a rate of about Rs. 2,000 per liter. Yet prices in niche markets like health supplements and cosmetics may reach as high as Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 per liter. The price also depends on the quality and demand in the market. This opens up a promising opportunity for small-scale livestock producers to diversify into a lesser-known but potentially lucrative business.
Challenges and Scope
There are obstacles of course but where there's a will, there's a way. Donkey milk production is low and labour-intensive, and there is no standardization or formal collection network yet. But with growing interest and government encouragement for livestock diversification, donkey farming may soon become organized and scalable.
They can begin small—with 2 to 5 female donkeys, simple shelter, and training. The return on investment can be great, particularly if they cluster or organize into cooperatives and use direct marketing or online platforms to reach niche consumers.
Road Ahead
As rural entrepreneurs and progressive farmers seek out alternative sources of income, donkey farming offers a unique opportunity. It has the distinct advantage of connecting to historical wisdom and natural health, fitting perfectly into modern consumer demands for organic, chemical-free, and cruelty-free products.
With minimal investment, vast untapped markets, and growing awareness, donkey farming can be a mighty source of income for marginal and small farmers—women and youth—who are willing to set foot into this new world.
