Pakistan misses GDP growth target but donkey population surges to 5.9 million in FY 2023-24

Pakistan’s population of donkeys has seen a significant increase, growing by 1.72% to reach 5.9 million in the fiscal year 2023-24 as highlighted in the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24, released on Tuesday.

The survey provides a detailed look at the steady rise in the donkey population over the past five years. In 2019-20, the population stood at 5.5 million, which increased to 5.6 million in 2020-21, 5.7 million in 2021-22, 5.8 million in 2022-23, and now 5.9 million in 2023-24. Despite this growth in donkeys, the populations of horses and mules have remained stagnant at 0.4 million and 0.2 million, respectively, over the same period.

Donkeys are crucial for many Pakistanis, particularly in rural areas where they play a vital role in the local economy. The PES 2023-24, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, also highlighted other key livestock statistics. The cattle population has grown to 57.5 million, buffalo to 46.3 million, sheep to 32.7 million, and goats to 87 million. Also, the number of camels has risen from 1.1 million to 1.2 million over the past year, after remaining unchanged for four years.

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Livestock remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s rural economy, with over 8 million rural families engaged in animal rearing. According to the PES 2023-24, the livestock sector, which contributes 60.84% to the agricultural sector and 14.63% to the country’s GDP, grew by 3.89% in the fiscal year 2023-24, up from 3.70% the previous year.

The economic contribution of the livestock sector has increased significantly, with its gross value addition rising to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24 from Rs 5,587 billion in 2022-23, marking a growth rate of 3.9%.

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In the broader context, the livestock sector continues to be the main driver of agricultural growth in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the agricultural value added and the national GDP during FY2024.

With inputs from agencies.