Slaughterhouse opens to meet China’s donkey demand

Islamabad: Officials from Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) announced on Thursday that a slaughterhouse in Gwadar has started operations to meet rising demand for donkey meat, bones, and hides from China.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Food Security, led by Chairman Rana Muhammad Hayat, was told that Pakistan and China have signed an agreement for the supply of donkey hides and bones. A Chinese company has already begun working in Gwadar, marking a significant development in this new export sector.

When Chairman Hayat asked why Pakistan wasn’t exporting live donkeys instead, officials explained that sending live animals was more difficult and costly compared to exporting donkey by-products.

The MNFSR officials also revealed that there are increasing requests to set up more donkey slaughterhouses across the country. Discussions are underway with other Chinese companies interested in investing in this trade.

During the meeting, Chairman Hayat mentioned that donkeys, once widely used for carrying small loads, are becoming less important for domestic work, leading to a drop in their use. He also suggested that Pakistan should encourage the selective breeding of high-quality donkeys to maintain their population, as they have potential economic value.

It’s important to note that China is the biggest market for products made from donkeys, especially donkey hides, which are used to make e-jiao. This is a traditional Chinese medicine that is believed to have health benefits.

Pakistan has about 5.9 million donkeys, and China uses donkey meat in food and to produce e-jiao. Although exports were delayed by paperwork, the necessary protocols have now been completed.