Pakistan, which has the third largest donkey population in the world, will export the animal to China, opening the avenue to earn millions from the trade, according to a media report.
Did you know Pakistan has the third largest Donkey population worldwide?
Yes they do and now they will export them to China. This could potentially earn them millions in revenue from the trade.
Donkeys are quite the asset in China used extensively for their hide’s in traditional Chinese medicine.
In particular Gelatin from the Donkeys skin which in TCM has long been prized to have medicinal benefits. Specifically benefiting the blood and improving immune system function.
Pakistan has over 5 million Donkeys and despite the trade imbalance China is still number 1!
A official at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was quoted as saying the Chinese are showing a big interest in Donkey farming in Pakistan and are getting ready to invest up to \$3 billion USD.
These Donkey Farms and bulk packaging facilities are a new initiative that have not been seen in Pakistan before. According to sources at least two donkey farms have been constructed in Dera Ismail Khan with another in Mansehra.
This has all been done in cooperation with a ‘foreign partnership’.
The first three years hope to see up to 80,000 donkeys export shipped in protective packaging to China.
Exporting Donkeys - A Surprising Opportunity
The Pakistan Economic Survey for 2022-23 has revealed a significant increase in the country's donkey population. This newfound surge in donkey numbers is sparking curiosity.
The Donkey Population Growth
The donkey population in Pakistan has grown by 100,000. It reaches a total of 5.8 million, compared to the previous fiscal year's 5.7 million. In addition, the survey notes an increase in buffalo numbers. The population is 45 million compared to the previous year's 43.7 million.
The updated data also indicates a rise in sheep and goat populations, with 32.3 million sheep and 84.7 million goats. Conversely, camel, horse, and mule populations have remained stable, standing at 1.1 million, 0.4 million, and 0.2 million, respectively.
Livestock's Role in Pakistan's Economy
Despite economic challenges, the livestock sector has become a crucial contributor to the nation's agriculture industry. This sector now makes up about 62.68 percent of agriculture. It contributes 14.36 percent to the national GDP for the fiscal year 2023. Thus, there's a significant growth rate of 3.78 percent. In fact, it surpasses the 2.25 percent growth from the previous year.
Exporting Donkeys to China
There is talk in Pakistan about a unique opportunity to generate significant foreign exchange earnings. This is through the export of donkeys to China.
Potential Windfall
Reports say the nation is exploring the possibility of earning millions through donkey exports to China. Pakistan is the world's third-largest population of donkeys, with over five million, second only to China.
China's Demand for Donkeys
The increased donkey population in Pakistan is attributed to the rising demand from China. China imports donkeys on a massive scale due to their need for a traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao, which is gelatin-based. This remedy requires the slaughter of millions of donkeys to meet the ever-increasing demand.
Uses of Donkey Products
Various parts of the donkey, such as its meat, hide, and milk, hold economic value and are in high demand in the market. Donkey meat is commonly used in Chinese street food, sometimes without consumers' knowledge. Traditional Chinese medicines use donkey-derived products for their supposed ability to enrich the blood. The products enhance the immune system and slow down the aging process.
The Dark Side of the Trade
It's essential to acknowledge the darker side of this trade. A 2019 report from the Donkey Sanctuary revealed the harsh reality. Donkeys suffer long, arduous journeys without access to food or water. Many of these donkeys are stolen from communities that heavily rely on them for their livelihoods. Sadly, a distressing number do not survive the gruelling journey to meet market demands.
Harrowing Conditions for Donkeys
Many donkeys endure sickness and injuries, and pregnant jennies often experience traumatic miscarriages. Unfortunately, those donkeys that survive the journey face brutal and violent deaths upon arrival at the slaughterhouses.
Violence in the Trade
Investigations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia have revealed a gruesome reality in China. There, donkeys die with their head being smashed by sledgehammers before having their throats brutally slit. Similar undercover footage from Kenya shows donkeys subjected to relentless beatings. This highlights the absence of regulations to safeguard their well-being on farms and in slaughterhouses.
Rising Demand and Theft
The surging demand for donkey skins has led to a disturbing increase in donkey thefts. This poses a significant challenge, particularly for farmers who rely on these animals for transportation, labor, and milk production. The consequences of this illicit industry extend beyond the slaughterhouses. It affects communities and livelihoods dependent on these humble animals.
