According to the latest official data on livestock in Pakistan, the population of donkeys has seen a steady increase, reaching 5.9 million in 2023-24. This represents a 1.72% growth over the previous year. This expansion aligns with the economic advancements highlighted in Pakistan’s Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24, released on Tuesday, which emphasizes the positive impact of the donkey population on the rural economy.
The data indicates a gradual upward trend, with the number of donkeys increasing from 5.5 million in 2019-2020 to 5.6 million in 2020-21, 5.7 million in 2021-22, and 5.8 million in 2022-23. However, the population of horses and mules, which are close relatives of donkeys, has remained stagnant over the last five years, with their numbers holding steady at 0.4 million and 0.2 million, respectively.
Donkeys continue to be a crucial asset for many Pakistanis, particularly in rural areas where they play a vital role in the local economy. The survey, unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, also provided details on other livestock, highlighting increases in the populations of cattle (57.5 million), buffalo (46.3 million), sheep (32.7 million), and goats (87 million).
Pakistan’s livestock sector remains a vital pillar of the economy, particularly in rural areas. It accounts for an impressive 60.84% of the agricultural sector and contributes 14.63% to the country’s GDP. The sector has experienced solid growth in recent years, with a 3.89% increase in 2023-24, outperforming its growth of 3.70% in the previous year. The gross value addition of the livestock sector has also shown a positive trend, rising to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24 from Rs 5,587 billion in 2022-23, representing a growth rate of 3.9%.
In conclusion, the rise in Pakistan’s donkey population and the overall growth of the livestock sector underscore their significance in supporting the country’s rural economy and broader economic development.
