ISLAMABAD: The population of donkeys in Pakistan has jumped to 5.9 million during the fiscal year 2023-24 as their number sees a consistent rise during the last few years.
The figure has been shared in the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24 presented by the finance minister on Tuesday.
The figures show the population of donkeys has been on the rise during the past few years as there were 5.5 million in 2019-2020, 5.6 million in 2020-21, 5.7 million in 2021-22, 5.8 million in 2022-23 and 5.9 million this year.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also provided data of the population of other livestock, according to which, the cattle population in the country increased to 57.5 million, buffalo to 46.3 million, sheep to 32.7 million, and goats to 87 million.
However, there has been no change in the number of horses and mules for the last five years which remain at 0.4 million, and 0.2 million, respectively.
The number of camels in Pakistan, which was stagnant for four years, has increased to 1.2 million this year from 1.1 million during the past fiscal year.
Animal husbandry is a significant part of the rural economy, with more than 8 million rural families engaged in livestock production business.
The livestock, which accounts for 60.84 per cent of the agricultural sector and 14.63 per cent of GDP, grew by 3.89 per cent in 2023-24, up from 3.70 per cent the preceding year.
According to the survey, artificial insemination services, use of balanced ration for animal feeding, and controlling livestock diseases have been the major reason for the rise in the livestock productivity.
Overall, the livestock sector has solidified its position as the primary driver of agricultural growth, comprising approximately 60.84 per cent of the agricultural value added and 14.63 per cent of the national GDP during FY2024.
