Donkey prices in Pakistan have surged to ₹2,00,000 due to China’s demand for ejiao, a gelatin made from donkey skin used in traditional medicine. This price hike, up from ₹30,000 eight years ago, threatens the livelihoods of poor wage earners, who are reliant on donkeys for income.
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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU
Context:
Donkey prices in Pakistan have increased due to demand from China’s ejiao industry.
Ejiao is a hard gelatin made by stewing donkey skin. The gelatin is then dried and used in various tonics, pills, and health food products.
Why Demand Increasing?
In China, a growing middle class seeks Ejiao for its health benefits. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believe Ejiao:
Supply Problem in China
China’s domestic donkey population has declined due to high demand and the slow reproductive rate of donkeys, and Pakistan emerging as a key potential source.
The global demand for Ejiao has affected donkey populations across Africa, South America, and Asia.
Threat to Global Donkey Population => The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based animal welfare organization, estimates that the Ejiao industry requires around 5 million donkey hides per year. This level of demand is unsustainable and threatens the global donkey population.
Animal Welfare Issues => The huge demand has led to widespread reports of donkeys being stolen, inhumanely transported, and cruelly slaughtered for their skins.
Risk of Illegal Trade => When official channels are not enough to meet demand, a black market for donkey hides emerges. This leads to smuggling and organized crime, further victimizing poor donkey owners.
Protecting Local Livelihoods => Implementing policies or subsidy schemes to ensure that traditional donkey owners can still afford to buy and maintain their animals.
Ensuring Humane Treatment => If a formal trade is established, it must adhere to strict animal welfare standards for breeding, transport, and slaughter.
Curbing Illegal Trade => Strengthening law enforcement to prevent the smuggling of donkeys and protect owners from theft.
Promoting Sustainable Breeding => Investing in sustainable breeding programs to prevent the decimation of the national donkey population.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The term 'Ejiao' appears frequently in the news. What is it? A) A type of rare herb found only in the Shandong province of China. B) A gelatin made from the skin of donkeys, used in traditional Chinese medicine. C) A synthetic supplement designed to replicate the benefits of collagen. D) A fermented beverage made from donkey milk. Answer: B Explanation Ejiao is a traditional remedy that involves boiling donkey skins to produce a hard gelatin. This gelatin is then used in various forms, such as powders, pills, or dissolved in liquids, and is believed to have several health benefits. |
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