India Eyes ₹400 Crore Export Opportunity as Gulf Nations Turn to Cow Dung Powder for Farming Boost

What was once seen as mere agricultural waste is now being hailed as “black gold” for desert farming. With scientific backing from Gulf nations like Kuwait, cow dung powder is rapidly gaining recognition as a vital organic input — particularly for increasing the yield of date palms, a key crop in the region.

Despite being the world’s largest producer of cow dung, India has only 181 registered exporters of cow dung products as of now. Experts say this number is staggeringly low compared to the estimated ₹400 crore ($48 million) export potential waiting to be tapped.

🧪 Scientific Backing from Kuwait

Researchers and agricultural scientists in Kuwait have conducted multiple studies showing that cow dung powder significantly improves soil fertility, especially in sandy and arid regions. When applied to date palm farms, the powder has been found to:

• Increase microbial activity in the soil
• Improve water retention and root development
• Boost overall fruit yield and quality

The findings are leading many Kuwaiti farms to shift toward organic soil conditioners, with Indian cow dung powder emerging as a preferred option due to its affordability and availability.

🇮🇳 India: A Sleeping Giant in Dung Exports?

India produces over 3 million tonnes of cow dung daily, most of which remains underutilized or used locally for compost and fuel. However, industry insiders say that with proper processing, packaging, and export facilitation, India could dominate the global market for cow dung-based agri products.

“There’s a huge global demand for organic soil boosters, and cow dung powder is proving itself in real-world conditions. The market is just waking up,” said a senior official from APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).

🛫 The Export Opportunity

Currently, cow dung exports from India are scattered and largely unorganized. But with countries like Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia promoting sustainable agriculture, there is rising demand for:

• Cow dung powder
• Cow dung-based compost
• Biogas slurry and organic manure

If tapped correctly, this niche sector could bring foreign exchange, rural employment, and an entirely new revenue stream for Gaushalas and dairy farms across India.

📦 What’s Needed to Enter the Market?

To start exporting cow dung powder, businesses require:

• FSSAI certification (for manure-based products)
• APEDA or DGFT registration
• Strict adherence to quality, hygiene, and moisture control
• Tie-ups with dairy farms or cow shelters for consistent supply

🚀 Future Outlook

As climate-conscious nations turn toward organic and regenerative farming, Indian entrepreneurs, agri-tech startups, and Gaushalas stand at the brink of a high-potential export revolution — powered by one of the country’s most overlooked resources.

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