India aims to conserve camels and unlock potential of camel milk industry

Stakeholder workshop on strengthening camel milk value chain in India organised in Bikaner as part of International Year of Camelids

The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and ICAR – National Research Center on Camel organised a day-long stakeholder workshop on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The event aimed to stimulate and facilitate a dialogue between different stakeholders to unlock the challenges that can contribute to the sustainable development of the non-bovine (camel) dairy value chain, along with its nutraceutical and therapeutic values. The event saw the participation of more than 150 individuals representing the camel rearers of the states of Rajasthan, and Gujarat, government officials, social enterprises, scientists and academicians along with representatives from the National Rainfed Area Authority, National Dairy Research Institute- Karnal, Sarhad Dairy- Kutch, Lotus Dairy and Amul. The participants brainstormed to identify the challenges faced by the non-bovine milk sector in India, especially camel milk and find sustainable solutions for the development of the camel rearers by involving all stakeholders in the value chain.

During the keynote address, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), highlighted the dwindling camel population in India. She called for immediate action to prevent their further population decline, stressing the role of the National Livestock Mission in ensuring sustainable grazing lands and supporting camel-rearing communities. Highlighting the need for a robust camel milk value chain, she emphasised its economic potential while encouraging conservation efforts. Her address urged stronger outreach to camel farmers to understand their challenges and provide targeted interventions to secure both their livelihoods and the future of camels in India.