Gujarat’s Dhiren Solanki has formed a donkey ranch with 42 donkeys and is making ₹ 2-3 lakh a month by supplying donkey milk to customers in southern states.
For centuries, donkeys have been symbolized as a representation of toil and anonymity. However, in a surprising turn of events, donkeys are now seizing the spotlight, with their milk fetching a staggering 70 times the price of traditional bovine milk.
From Drudgery to Profitability
Dhiren Solanki, a resident of Gujarat, has pioneered a donkey farm venture in Patan district, boasting 42 donkeys. His decision has proven to be financially rewarding, with earnings ranging from ₹2-3 lakh per month by supplying donkey milk to clients in southern states.
A Journey of Innovation
Solanki’s journey into donkey rearing began amidst the pursuit of stable employment.
Faced with limited opportunities, he ventured into the lesser-explored domain of donkey farming after learning about its potential profitability in southern India. With an initial investment of ₹22 lakh, he embarked on this venture about 8 months ago, starting with 20 donkeys.
Overcoming Challenges
The initial phase was fraught with challenges, as the demand for donkey milk in Gujarat was virtually non-existent.
However, Solanki persevered, reaching out to companies in southern states where the demand was substantial. His clientele now includes cosmetic companies utilizing donkey milk in their products, among others.
Lucrative Returns
The price of donkey milk ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, a significant contrast to the ₹65 per litre for cow milk. To ensure freshness, the milk is stored in freezers and is also sold in powdered form, fetching prices of up to ₹1 lakh per kilogram.
Government Support and Future Prospects
Despite his success, Solanki has not received any assistance from the state government but hopes for its focus on the sector.
With 42 donkeys on his farm and an investment of ₹38 lakh, Solanki’s story exemplifies the transformative potential of innovative ventures in the agricultural sector.