ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to witness a unique investment initiative as Chinese company Sing Ying has agreed to pour $37 million into increasing donkey breeding across the country.
The plan includes establishing 40 specialized farms and setting up a laboratory to enhance breeding on a scientific basis.
$37m investment for donkey farming
According to sources in the Ministry of Food Security, the farms will be developed in different regions of Pakistan with the goal of producing 80,000 donkeys every year. Officials believe that with systematic and scientific breeding, Pakistan could become part of the global donkey supply chain, opening new trade avenues.
Laboratory to be established in Peshawar
As part of the project, a dedicated donkey breeding laboratory will be established at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. The breeding process is expected to run intensively for the first three to five years to ensure sustainable production.
Export of donkey meat and bones to China
Once operations begin, around 10,000 donkeys will be processed for meat exports to China every month. Officials clarified that donkey meat and bones will only be exported, while local sales of donkey meat will remain strictly prohibited.
Potential role in global supply chain
The Ministry of Food Security sources highlighted that this agreement positions Pakistan to become an important link in the international supply chain for donkey-related products. With demand rising in China, the move could provide Pakistan with a niche export market while also encouraging scientific livestock management.
