Pakistan Witnesses Surge in Number of Donkeys

Pakistan's population of donkeys has increased by 1.72 per cent to reach 5.9 million during fiscal year 2023-24, according to latest official data on livestock in agrarian country.

Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24, which highlights key economic achievements in outgoing fiscal year, was launched on Tuesday. It showed donkey population has been increasing.

data shows that population of "beasts of burden" was 5.5 million in 2019-2020, 5.6 million in 2020-21, 5.7 million in 2021-22, and 5.8 million in 2022-23, while it jumped to 5.9 million in 2023-24.

However, horses and mules, close cousins of donkeys, were less fortunate, and re has been no change in ir numbers for last five years, which remained at 0.4 million and 0.2 million, respectively.

Donkeys may be last hope for many Pakistanis, especially those living in countryside, where rural economy is closely associated with animals.

survey unveiled by Finance Minister Muhamm Aurangzeb also provided details of or livestock, showing that cattle population increased to 57.5 million, buffalo to 46.3 million, sheep to 32.7 million, and goats to 87 million.

However, number of camels in Pakistan, which remained stagnant for four years, has increased to 1.2 million from 1.1 million during past fiscal year.

Rearing of animals is backbone of Pakistan's rural economy, with more than 8 million rural families deeply engaged in livestock production.

As per PES 2023-24, livestock, which accounts for 60.84 per cent of agricultural sector and 14.63 per cent of GDP, grew by 3.89 per cent in 2023-24, up from 3.70 per cent last year.

gross value dition of livestock sector has shown an increase, rising to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24 from Rs 5,587 billion in 2022-23, marking a growth rate of 3.9 per cent.

In broer economic landscape, livestock sector has solidified its position as primary driver of agricultural growth, comprising approximately 60.84 per cent of agricultural value ded and 14.63 per cent of national GDP during FY2024.