Trichy :

It seems there is still a demand for donkey’s milk. A group from Cuddalore district could be seen on Trichy’s streets on Friday selling it fresh and direct from the animals.

The milk vendors accompanied their animals while looking for consumers who believe in its efficacy. They walked with the donkeys under the scorching sun.

It is said donkey’s milk has medicinal value and can boost the immunity level of babies. Several people feed babies a small quantity of donkey’s milk, though doctors don’t dispute it.

Speaking with the donkey owners, who are from Thozhudhur in Cuddalore district, revealed a few interesting nuggets about their business. They buy jennies or female donkeys from Eral in Tuticorin district and Sithayankottai in Dindigul district where donkeys are reared for this purpose. One donkey alone costs Rs 15,000, a member said.

The group chooses one district a day to sell the milk. The members start their day early in the morning and chose semi-urban areas. They get up to 100 ml to 150 ml milk from a donkey every day. Selling a small quantity for Rs 30, they can earn up to Rs 300 to Rs 500.

On Friday afternoon, they moved to Samayapuram after the day’s business. They expect a good sale in Samayapuram too.

Usually, the milk sellers do not stay in one area for more than a day and they cover almost all parts of Tamil Nadu. Occasionally, they visit their village.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Trichy / TNN / May 03rd, 2014