India Explores Camel Milk’s Potential in International Year of Camelids

Bikaner: In a milestone event marking the United Nations’ declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the ICAR-National Research Center on Camel, organized a workshop focused on strengthening the camel milk value chain in India. Held in Bikaner on December 20, 2024, the workshop brought together over 150 participants, including camel rearers, government officials, researchers, social enterprises, and industry leaders.

The workshop sought to address the challenges hindering the sustainable development of the non-bovine dairy sector, with a specific focus on camel milk’s nutraceutical and therapeutic benefits. Camel milk, often hailed for its health properties, has the potential to revolutionize the dairy industry while providing critical economic support to camel-rearing communities.

During the keynote address, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD, highlighted the alarming decline in India’s camel population and called for immediate conservation efforts. Stressing the role of the National Livestock Mission, she advocated for sustainable grazing lands and community support systems. “A robust camel milk value chain can unlock economic opportunities while ensuring the survival of this unique species,” she stated, urging targeted outreach and interventions to address camel farmers’ challenges.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, emphasized camel milk’s therapeutic value, calling for research and the establishment of nucleus breeding farms to rejuvenate the population.

FAO Representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara, underscored the significance of a unified approach, stating, “By combining expertise from government, research, and industry, we aim to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and promote the nutritional benefits of camel milk.”

Dr. Samit Sharma, Secretary of Rajasthan’s Animal Husbandry Department, outlined state-level initiatives, including camel fairs, eco-tourism promotion, and value-added camel products. Vibrant camel races and decoration competitions added a cultural flourish to the event, celebrating the role of camels in Rajasthan’s heritage.

Stakeholders identified key obstacles, such as the need for infrastructure development, standardization of milk quality, and pricing mechanisms. Entrepreneurs emphasized government support in developing processing facilities, which could catalyze private investment.

Discussions also highlighted the need for conservation efforts, including breed development, clinical trials on camel milk’s therapeutic properties, and creating niche markets for camel milk products. Participants explored socially inclusive institutional models to strengthen the value chain, addressing procurement, market feasibility, and product development.

The event aligns with the UN International Year of Camelids’ theme, “Heroes of the deserts and highlands: nourishing people and culture,” recognizing the vital role camelids play in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Key attendees included representatives from Amul, the National Dairy Research Institute, Sarhad Dairy, Border Security Force, and other stakeholders. Together, they underscored the potential of camel milk to support food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods while celebrating the unique cultural and economic contributions of camels to India.