First donkey meatpacking plant starts production in Gwadar

ISLAMABAD: Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) confirmed on Thursday that a newly established slaughterhouse in Gwadar has started production to meet the surge in demand for donkey meat, bones, and hides in China for manufacturing the traditional product, e-jiao.

E-jiao is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation widely used in clinical hematic anaemic therapy.

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Food Security, chaired by Committee Chairman Rana Muhammad Hayat, convened, during which officials disclosed that China has inked an accord with Pakistan for the procurement of donkey carcass parts.

A Chinese company has begun operations in Gwadar, marking a significant step in this unconventional export sector, the committee was informed. When Hayat questioned why Pakistan was not exporting live donkeys instead, officials explained that the logistics of exporting live animals were challenging and less viable than exporting their by-products.

The country’s donkey population stands at approximately 5.9 million, with China being a major market where donkey meat is used in cuisine and hides for producing e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin. Previously, exports were limited due to delays in finalising the necessary protocols, which have now been completed.