Donkey milk demand rises in Hyderabad as farmers take to streets

Donkey milk is in demand in Hyderabad, with farmers selling it on city streets for Rs 100 per 15 ml. Though there's no scientific backing, it’s believed to help with children’s ailments. Donkey farms and rentals are increasing rapidly

Hyderabad: Donkey milk is finding many takers in the city and the rising number of men moving around herding donkeys on city streets and selling milk acknowledges the huge demand for it.

Every morning, donkey farmers move around the working-class and lower-middle-class colonies in the city, selling the donkey milk. It is believed the milk has medical value, although there is no scientific validation for it.

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A farmer, P Venkat, who stays at Bowenpally, said he owns 10 donkeys and has employed some people to take the donkeys around the city in morning and sell the milk at the doorsteps. He has also posted advertisements on social media platforms to attract people.

“In villages and mandals, people used to buy the donkey milk. Now, with heavy migration from villages to the city, there is demand for it here too,” said Venkat, who rears 10 donkeys.

People buy the milk in small quantities to feed children, as it is believed that it cures cold, cough, and stomach ailments. “Usually, the children are fed the milk. For Rs 100, we sell 15 ml of milk,” said Shanker, a farmer from Mahabubnagar, who has three donkeys.

In the last few years, the number of donkey farmers has increased in the city. A few rent the donkey to farm labourers who move around the city and sell the milk. “A donkey is rented for Rs 400 a day; the money goes towards feeding and taking care of the animal,” said Yaddiah, who keeps a small herd of donkeys at Zamistanpur Musheerabad.

A donkey is said to produce about one litre of milk a day. “We maintain a good diet for donkeys and milk them in front of the customers. These animals are not used for load-bearing work,” he added.

Donkey farms have also come up in the suburbs of the city, with people rearing up to 50 donkeys for the purpose of milk.