At present the population of donkeys in Pakistan is 52 lakh.
China imports maximum number of donkeys from Pakistan. According to the agreement, in the year 2024, it was agreed to send 2 lakh donkeys from Pakistan to China. This was confirmed by Dr. Ikram of Pakistan’s National Food Security and Research Ministry. Media reports claimed that China wants to increase the import of donkeys. For this, he is also preparing to open a slaughterhouse near Karachi Port.
To increase the export of donkeys, new slaughter houses are being built in Gwadar, Pakistan. Statistics show that currently there are 52 lakh donkeys in Pakistan. Pakistan has the third largest population of donkeys in the world. Now the question is why does China import so many donkeys from Pakistan? Where and how are donkeys used? Know their answers.
Why does China import donkeys from Pakistan?
China mainly uses gelatin extracted from donkey skin. Through this he makes medicine. Which is called Ejiao. China and many other countries import donkeys from Pakistan to meet the increasing demand for this medicine. This medicine is also called Colla Corii Asini and Donkey-Hide Glue. It is prepared by mixing various types of herbs and other things in the gelatin extracted from the skin of donkey.
It is claimed that this medicine improves blood circulation. Helps stop bleeding. Improves sleep. Improves skin quality. Apart from this, it is also used in many diseases. The increasing demand for this medicine and the falling birth rate of donkeys in China have promoted imports.
How much does China need donkeys?
According to a Times of India report, the e-jiao industry requires the skin of 60 lakh donkeys every year. The use of donkeys in China is not limited to medicine only. Dish prepared from donkey meat is very popular in Hebei province of China. Moreover, burgers made from donkey meat, called ‘lǘròu huǒshāo’ in Chinese, are popular as street food in the cities of Baoding and Hejian.
The population of donkeys in China is declining, hence it has to turn to countries like Pakistan. Pakistan has a sizeable population of donkeys, hence it became a major partner of China. China is ‘helping’ Pakistan to overcome its crisis by giving huge loans to it. According to 2022 data, Pakistan has a Chinese debt of 26.6 billion dollars (24.6 billion euros), which is more than any other country in the world and Pakistan is exporting donkeys.
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