In a unique entrepreneurial venture, Dhiren Solanki, a resident of Gujarat, has successfully established a thriving business by selling donkey milk online, priced at a whopping ₹5,000 per litre.

What Happened: As per an NDTV report, Solanki started a donkey farm in his native village in Patan district, Gujarat, with a herd of 42 donkeys. Despite initially struggling to find a donkey milk market in Gujarat and earning zero revenue in the first five months, Solanki managed to tap into the demand in southern states, supplying to Karnataka and Kerala. His customer base includes cosmetic companies that incorporate donkey milk in their product line.

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The cost of donkey milk varies from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per litre, a stark contrast to the price of cow milk, which is sold at ₹65 a litre. The milk is preserved in freezers to maintain its freshness and is also available in powdered form. Solanki has invested around ₹38 lakh in his farm to date.

Why It Matters: Donkey milk, a common commodity in ancient times, has experienced a resurgence due to its health benefits. The US’ National Library of Medicine states that the composition of donkey milk is closer to human milk, making it beneficial for infants allergic to cow milk. It also has the potential to regulate intestinal microflora, enhance immunity, and exhibit anti-diabetic properties.

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