📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
Pakistan’s donkey population has seen a significant increase, reaching 5.9 million in the fiscal year 2023-24 according to the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24. This marks a growth of around 100,000 from the previous year, showcasing the importance of donkeys in the country’s rural economy. The Economic Survey highlighted that Pakistan, with the world’s third-largest donkey population, has been steadily increasing the number of these ‘beasts of burden’ over the past few years.
The Economic Survey, presented by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, unveiled key statistics and achievements for the outgoing fiscal year. It was noted that the growth in the donkey population reflects the strong foundation of animal husbandry in Pakistan’s rural economy, with over 8 million rural families actively involved in livestock production.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that while Pakistan missed its GDP growth target for the financial year 2023-24, the agriculture sector outperformed other sectors by posting a growth of 6.25%, surpassing the target of 3.5%. In contrast, the industrial sector and services sector fell below their respective growth targets.
The fiscal deficit for the year was recorded at 3.7%, with inflation gradually decreasing to 11.8% by the third quarter of the fiscal year. The GDP at current market prices showed a notable increase, reaching Rs.106,045 billion in FY2024. Additionally, the government aimed to privatize loss-making state-owned enterprises to improve economic efficiency.
Livestock, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s agricultural sector and GDP, saw a growth rate of 3.89% in FY2024. The gross value addition of the livestock sector rose to Rs 5,804 billion, emphasizing its crucial role in driving agricultural growth and national GDP. The survey also highlighted the importance of livestock in rural livelihoods, with various animal populations showing growth trends.
In conclusion, the growth in Pakistan’s donkey population and the focus on livestock production underscore the resilience and strength of the country’s agricultural sector. Despite challenges in achieving overall economic growth targets, the emphasis on animal husbandry and agricultural activities remains a key driver of sustainable development in Pakistan.
