To observe the United Nations International Year of Camelids 2024, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, will organize an event on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ on Friday, 20 December 2024 in ICAR-National Research Center on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan. The event will discuss the way forward for the sustainable development of camelids and their role in livelihood and food security in India.

The workshop aims 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. Further inputs would be sought from the stakeholders on prospects and challenges along with the identification of a socially inclusive institutional model that can strengthen procurement, milk standardization, pricing mechanism and market feasibility to develop pathways for value addition. The event cum workshop will be attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, experts, and camel herders.

Vibrant camel race and decoration competitions will also be organized during the event.

The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids (IYC) with the slogan – “Heroes of the deserts and highlands:  nourishing people and culture” – to recognize and celebrate the vital contribution camelids make to livelihoods, food security, nutrition and culture, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For the Programme Agenda, click here.