Globally, donkey milk is priced between ₹1,500 and ₹7,000 per litre, driven by demand from high-end cosmetic brands across Europe, China, and Gulf countries. India is still largely untapped in this industry.
Here is exactly how to start.
Step 1 — Check Government Schemes First
Before spending a single rupee, visit your District Animal Husbandry Office. The government offers subsidies up to ₹50 lakh, low-interest loans under livestock schemes, and training programs through the National Dairy Development Board. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission also supports livestock entrepreneurs. Walk in with a basic farm plan and ask what you qualify for.
Step 2 — Register Your Farm
Three registrations you need before selling anything. GST registration, business registration as a proprietorship or company, and farm registration with your local animal husbandry department.
Step 3 — Buy Donkeys and Set Up
Start with 10 to 20 female donkeys. Set up clean shelter, grazing space, veterinary support, and a hygiene-compliant milk collection area. One donkey produces 0.5 to 1 litre of milk per day. Scale only after you have your first buyers lined up.
Step 4 — Process and Add Value
Raw milk is rarely exported directly. The real money is in donkey milk soap, anti-aging skincare, powdered milk, and health supplements. Luxury cosmetic brands pay top price because donkey milk is naturally rich in vitamins and collagen. Processing turns ₹1,500 milk into a ₹5,000 product.
Step 5 — Get Your Export License
Two registrations are mandatory for export. Apply for your Import Export Code (IEC) through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade at dgft.gov.in. Then register your product with APEDA — the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Add quality and health certifications and you are export-ready.
Step 6 — Find International Buyers
Your biggest markets are Europe, China, the Gulf, and Malaysia. Find buyers through B2B export platforms, international trade fairs, cosmetic manufacturers, and regional distributors. Start with one market, get a repeat buyer, then scale.
Step 7 — Handle Logistics Right
Cold chain storage is non-negotiable. Use food-grade packaging and work with an experienced export logistics company. Keep your export invoice, health certificate, and customs declaration ready for every shipment.
Step 8 — What Can You Earn
With 20 donkeys producing roughly 10 litres per day at market rates, your revenue range is ₹15,000 to ₹70,000 per day depending on the product form and buyer market. That is ₹4.5 lakh to ₹21 lakh per month from a 20-donkey farm.
The business exists. The demand is real. The government support is available. Most people just have not looked at it yet.