Drinking milk is highly beneficial for health, as it contains essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin B, and vitamin D. While cow’s, goat’s, and buffalo’s milk are commonly known, donkey milk remains lesser-known despite its growing popularity.
Though the term “donkey” is often used for teasing, donkeys also offer significant value in human life. Recently, dairy farms that sell cow’s milk have popped up across India, but some states now offer donkey milk as well.
India, the world’s largest milk producer, produces a staggering 186.1 million metric tons of milk annually. However, we are not discussing regular milk today but focusing on donkey milk, which is gaining enormous demand. Surprisingly, a drop of donkey milk is considered precious, making it highly expensive. You can purchase regular milk for Rs 60-80 per litre, but donkey milk costs between Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per litre.
Why is donkey milk so costly? Its remarkable health benefits and use in beauty products drive its high price. Donkey milk improves the immune system and is also a popular ingredient in beauty supplements. In northern Serbia, people even purchase cheese made from donkey milk, priced at Rs 70,000 per kg. This cheese, called “cheese,” is highly valued. Donkey milk is also used to create anti-ageing products and is a suitable alternative for those allergic to cow’s or goat’s milk.
The story of donkey milk dates back to Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, who reportedly bathed in donkey milk to maintain her beauty.
In India, the donkey milk business has flourished, particularly in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Rajasthan is famous for Kharani donkey milk, while Gujarat is known for Halari donkey milk.