Vineeta Rao
Auckland, May 17, 2025
If you have spent any time in South Asia at all, you have probably seen it freshly made, smelled it, stepped in it or dodged it as it dropped. But did you know that the ubiquitous cow dung is now one of India’s leading exports, generating $80 million, driven by the rising global demand for organic and sustainable farming inputs?
Yes, you read that right. The global demand for cow dung is soaring, surpassing a million metric tonnes. Last year, India sent out 1133 shipments to 327 international buyers. As per cow dung export data, India exported $25 million worth of fresh dung, fertilisers worth $3.5 million and compost manure worth $1.8 million.
India’s surprising export
With the largest cattle population in the world, India produces about 30 million tonnes of cow dung daily, giving it more than enough capacity to meet this growing demand. The northern Indian state of Rajasthan has the highest output, producing approximately $200 million worth, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
With current prices ranging from $0.6 to $1 per kilogram, the value is expected to rise even further.
This abundant resource has found new value in international markets, particularly in countries like the Maldives, Singapore, and the United States, which are among the top importers. But they are not the only ones.
Studies have shown that powdered cow dung increases the productivity of date palms, increasing harvests and improving quality. This has seen Gulf nations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, creating a new category of high-potential export markets. Kuwait alone has imported around 192 metric tonnes of cow dung from India, utilising it to enhance soil fertility and reduce chemical fertiliser dependency.
India’s closest competitor is Vietnam which exports half of India’s produce.
Key players and challenges
India’s leading cow dung export companies are Baba Integrated Technologies Private Limited, Aginex Business Ventures Private Limited, Thiva Exim, KE Exports, and Matrachaya Overseas.
These exporters have capitalised on the growing demand for organic fertilisers and sustainable agricultural practices, positioning India as the world’s largest exporter of cow dung.
Others, like Gaukriti, are believed to be raking in close to a million dollars in revenue just from selling recycled paper made from cow dung as an organic and sustainable product.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for exporters is the potential minefield of tangled red tape detailing regulatory compliance. Each country has its own specific requirements for safety, phytosanitary measures and labelling which can lead to delays and additional costs. Another challenge is ensuring that the product reaches the target market without cross-contamination.
Exemplifying traditional practices
India’s cow dung export industry may not be the most glamorous sector but it exemplifies how traditional agricultural practices can be adapted to meet modern sustainability goals. This confluence of traditional and modern not only supports rural economies but also contributes to global goals of environmental conservation and organic farming.
As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions, India’s innovative approach to cow dung exports offers a model for how agricultural by-products can be leveraged for economic and environmental benefits.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink based in Auckland.
