A lawyer-turned-farmer, Raju Joseph, has built “Ainthinai Farm” at M. Puthupatti near Musiri in Tiruchirappalli district with a clear aim: to show that donkey rearing can be a viable, profitable livelihood while also protecting a declining breed.
Raju says donkeys, long seen only as pack animals, were once used in agriculture as well. In today’s natural farming practices, he points to donkey urine being used as a pest repellent and crop booster, adding that this potential encouraged him to work towards conserving the animals.
He began the farm in 2018 after searching for donkeys and finding eight aged animals in poor health across southern districts. Those rescued donkeys became the foundation of the venture, which has since expanded steadily.
At the farm, donkey milk is sold directly and also processed into value-added products such as powder, soap and body wash. The unit also makes items from dung and produces talismans using donkey hair, and Raju says the products have obtained approval from the Tamil Nadu government.
From an initial herd of eight, the farm now has 25 donkeys, including two Gujarat Halari donkeys. Raju also conducts online and in-person training sessions on donkey rearing and value-added product preparation, aiming to help others replicate the model.
