The latest figures from Pakistan’s Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2023-24 reveal a steady rise in the country’s donkey population, which has reached 5.9 million. This marks an increase of one million donkeys over the past five years, underscoring a consistent growth trend.
Unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday, the pre-budget survey highlighted significant growth in other livestock populations. The document shows that alongside donkeys, the populations of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats have all seen notable increases.
The donkey population, often referred to as “beasts of burden,” has steadily grown from 5.5 million in the 2019-2020 fiscal year to 5.9 million in 2023-24. The detailed data shows incremental annual increases: 5.6 million in 2020-21, 5.7 million in 2021-22, and 5.8 million in 2022-23.
The survey also provides comprehensive statistics on other livestock. Cattle numbers have risen to 57.5 million, up from 55.5 million the previous year. Buffalo populations have grown to 46.3 million from 45.0 million, and sheep have increased to 32.7 million from 32.3 million. Goats, another critical component of Pakistan’s livestock, have reached 87 million, up from 84.7 million last year.
Notably, the populations of horses and mules have remained constant at 0.4 million and 0.2 million respectively for the past five years. However, the number of camels, which had been stable for four years, saw a slight uptick, increasing from 1.1 million to 1.2 million in the latest fiscal year.
Animal husbandry remains a pivotal element of Pakistan’s rural economy, with over 8 million rural families engaged in livestock production. Livestock contributes significantly to the agricultural sector, making up 60.84% of its value and 14.63% of the national GDP for the fiscal year 2023-24.
The sector showed a robust growth rate of 3.89% in 2023-24, up from 3.70% in the previous year. This growth underscores livestock’s critical role in driving agricultural development and supporting rural livelihoods. According to the survey, livestock accounts for approximately 35% to 40% of the income for rural families.
Financially, the livestock sector’s gross value addition increased to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24 from Rs 5,587 billion in 2022-23, representing a growth rate of 3.9%. This sector also contributes significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings, making up about 1.6% of the country’s total exports.
Recognizing the sector’s potential for economic growth, food security, and poverty alleviation, the Pakistani government has prioritized the development of livestock. The government’s strategy emphasizes private sector-led growth, supported by public sector policies that create a conducive environment for development.
Regulatory measures aim to enhance the productivity of livestock through improved veterinary health services, advanced husbandry practices, and modern breeding techniques such as Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The use of balanced rations for animal feeding and the control of livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and Avian Influenza are also central to these efforts.
As Pakistan continues to invest in the livestock sector, the steady increase in animal populations and the sector’s growing economic contribution reflect its integral role in the country’s rural and national economy.
