India has long been known for its agricultural strength, and now, one of the most humble by-products of rural life—cow dung—is becoming a lucrative export commodity. What was once seen as mere waste is now a sought-after product in international markets. As of June 2025, cow dung and its related products have emerged as an unconventional yet powerful export category contributing significantly to rural income and sustainable farming initiatives.
Current Export Landscape
Cow dung exports from India have witnessed a sharp rise over the past two years. Today, exports of both raw and processed dung are estimated to be worth over ₹400 crore annually, driven by growing demand in countries favoring organic farming practices and chemical-free cultivation.
The export basket includes:
- Raw cow dung (dried or semi-dried)
- Cow dung compost and organic manure
- Cow dung powder for agricultural blending
- Cow dung cakes (used for rituals and heating)
- Value-added products like dung-based plant pots and incense
Key Global Markets
Indian exporters are tapping into both niche and large-scale global markets. The leading importers of Indian cow dung products today include:
- Maldives – for organic island agriculture
- United Arab Emirates – especially for date palm cultivation
- Singapore and Malaysia – due to urban organic farming trends
- Mauritius, UK, and Canada – where diaspora-driven cultural use also plays a role
These countries demand cow dung not only for its natural fertilizing qualities, but also for religious, cultural, and industrial applications.
Export Volumes & Growth Potential
India is exporting over 1,000 shipments of cow dung products annually, and the number continues to grow. More than 180 Indian exporters are currently active in this sector, from small rural enterprises to large agro-export companies.
With the rise of climate-conscious farming policies worldwide, the demand for organic inputs like cow dung is expected to multiply. Indian exporters are capitalizing on this momentum by improving quality control, packaging, and export-grade processing of manure.
Profitability & Rural Empowerment
One of the biggest success stories behind cow dung exports is its role in rural income generation. What previously had negligible market value is now fetching prices of ₹30–₹50 per kg in international markets. When exported in powdered or composted form, margins can go even higher.
Villages across India are organizing cow dung collection hubs and forming cooperatives. States like Chhattisgarh and Gujarat have been especially proactive in turning cow dung into a marketable rural commodity.
Processing & Export Requirements
To export cow dung from India, businesses typically:
- Collect and sun-dry cow dung from dairy farms or village clusters
- Process it into powder, granules, or composted forms
- Package it in moisture-proof, export-ready bags
- Obtain export registration (IEC), FSSAI certification (for manure), and phytosanitary clearance
- Ship through ports like Tuticorin, JNPT (Mumbai), Chennai, and Mundra
Future Opportunities
Beyond fertilizers, cow dung is now being used in:
- Biodegradable products (flower pots, packaging)
- Cow-dung-based paint and incense sticks
- Organic pest repellents
- Soil rejuvenation blends for desert agriculture
There is a growing interest in branding cow dung products under eco-friendly, organic, and sustainable farming labels for export.
Conclusion
India is turning its age-old rural resource into a globally valued organic product. With minimal input costs, growing demand, and rising awareness of sustainable agriculture, cow dung exports are more than just a business—they represent a transformative rural movement. As the world leans towards nature-based solutions, India is leading the way—one dung cake at a time.
🇮🇳 India's Cow Dung Export: Turning Rural Waste into Global Opportunity