Bhubaneswar: India is exporting cow dung worth nearly ₹400 crore every year, primarily to desert and arid countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, reflecting the growing global demand for natural and sustainable agricultural inputs.
The demand from desert nations is driven by cow dung’s unique properties. Rich in organic matter, it helps retain soil moisture, improves soil structure, and enhances microbial activity—critical factors for farming in arid climates. In particular, it has shown significant benefits in boosting yields of date palms and other crops suited to dry land agriculture.
According to trade data, Kuwait alone imported around 192 metric tonnes of cow dung last year, paying between ₹30 and ₹50 per kilogram. Similar imports have been recorded by other Gulf nations seeking eco-friendly alternatives to chemical soil conditioners.
India, which has an estimated 300 million cattle, generates nearly 30 million tonnes of cow dung every day. What was once largely treated as agricultural waste is now being converted into a valuable export commodity through processing, packaging, and quality standardisation.
The rise in exports has been enabled by rural entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and farmer-producer organisations, supported by government initiatives promoting organic farming, waste-to-wealth models, and rural livelihoods. Programmes linked to organic inputs, natural farming, and agri-exports have helped formalise the supply chain and ensure consistency for international markets.
Experts note that the trend underscores India’s potential to lead in sustainable agri-inputs while creating additional income streams for rural communities. As global agriculture increasingly shifts towards environmentally responsible practices, India’s traditional resources are finding renewed relevance on the international stage.
