Bosnian family Jusupović from Petkovići at Zavidovici proved that is possible to, in the 21 century, in the heart of Europe, to live from farming and production of medicinal donkey milk. The family farm exists for nearly a year and has 11 donkeys of which four of them are milking donkeys.
Business was accidentally triggered by Alen Jusupović, a young man who finished the Master of Agricultural Engineering in Sarajevo, where he won 5.400 KM (about 2.700 Euros) on a competition for the business plan, “Farm of milking donkeys”
“The idea came all of a sudden. I was searching something over the internet, in particular I was looking for something about goats because I really like to explore the agriculture and animal farming, and I saw that Croatia has donkey farms. I was looking for economic reasons for someone to start this business. But, I saw a production of donkey milk and it fascinated me”, said Alen for the reporter of the agency Anadolija.
Winning the award was followed by buying the donkeys, stable premises and start of the business.
The reason for choosing this type of business was the fact that nowhere in BiH exists similar business making this farm unique.
The donkey milk has been known for long as “antibiotic” because it has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics. It contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than cow’s milk, and by ingredients is the nearest to the breast milk.
Working on the donkey farm is difficult, but beautiful job, highlights Jusupović and inviting the local community to help them to preserve this interesting and unique business. They state that their earnings from the donkey milk sale are their main source of income.
“We sell milk because it is a martial remedy for bronchitis, asthma, lung disease, dry cough, then relieves allergies, strengthens the immune system “, explained Bajro.
“We still haven’t produce any cheese but we are interested to start”, Bajro and Sakiba Jusupović point out that they will not give up on this business and there is no better job for them than this.
“This business is hard but very beautiful. As it is unusual to have donkeys in this area, I have to do a lot of research and learn to work with them”, stated Sakiba, explaining that her son Alen gives them clear daily instruction on what and how to deal with donkeys.
Small farm in Petkovići is ideal for raising cattle, but can also bring the possibility of rural tourism.
“After buying the animals, people started coming with their children”, said Bajro, adding that riding donkeys and horses is symbolic charged in amount of mark or two.
Donkey farm has a future, and Alen Jusupović and his family in the future plan to expand the number of animals and to make an ethnic village.
(Source: klix.ba)
