By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Sindh’s livestock base expanded strongly between 2006 and 2024, with goats reaching 19.01 million, buffaloes 13.46 million and cattle 11.21 million, according to the Agricultural Census 2024.

The census, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that goats remained the largest livestock category in the province. Their population rose by 51%, from 12.57 million in the Livestock Census 2006 to 19.01 million in the Agricultural Census 2024.

Buffaloes also showed robust growth, rising by 83% from 7.34 million to 13.46 million. The increase was supported by sharp growth in female buffaloes and in-milk buffaloes. Female buffaloes aged three years and above increased by 103%, from 4.39 million to 8.93 million, while in-milk buffaloes rose by 136%, from 3.05 million to 7.19 million.

The cattle population increased by 62%, rising from 6.93 million in 2006 to 11.21 million in 2024. Cows aged three years and above increased by 66%, from 3.66 million to 6.07 million, while in-milk cows rose by 83%, from 2.14 million to 3.92 million.

The report also shows a 20% increase in the sheep population, from 3.96 million to 4.74 million. Male sheep aged one year and above rose by 135%, from 585,915 to 1.38 million. Female sheep, however, showed a slight decline of 1%, moving from 2.17 million to 2.14 million.

Among goats, male animals aged one year and above recorded a sharp rise of 245%, increasing from 1.17 million to 4.05 million. Female goats aged one year and above rose by 46%, from 7.78 million to 11.37 million. Goat youngstock declined slightly by 1%, from 3.62 million to 3.59 million.

Draught animals also showed gains. The camel population increased by 31%, from 278,424 to 365,119. Horses rose by 15%, from 44,999 to 51,900, while mules increased by 77%, from 19,512 to 34,548. Asses rose by 8%, from 1.00 million to 1.08 million.

The census presents an encouraging picture of Sindh’s livestock economy, with major gains in goats, buffaloes, cattle, in-milk animals and several draught animal categories. The updated figures provide a fresh base for livestock planning, animal health services and rural income strategies in the province.

Credit: INP-WealthPk