FAO in India

International Year of Camelids to Strengthen the Camel Milk Value Chain in India celebrated with Camel Herders in Bikaner, Rajasthan

20/12/2024

To observe the United Nations International Year of Camelids 2024, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and ICAR – National Research Center on Camel organized a day-long stakeholder workshop on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ on Friday, 20 December 2024 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 was participated by more than 150 individuals representing the pastoral communities of the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, government representatives, social enterprises, scientists and academicians, and representatives from the National Rainfed Area Authority, National Dairy Research Institute- Karnal, Sarhad Dairy- Kutch, Lotus Dairy, Bikaner to identify the challenges faced by the non-bovine milk sector in India, especially camels, and to deliberate on finding sustainable solutions by involving all stakeholders in the value chain.

During the keynote address, Ms Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India highlighted the dwindling camel population in India. She called for immediate action to prevent their declining population, 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 emphasized the 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.

Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD called for the need to conduct a brief study on the reasons for the decline in camel population in the country. He underscored the importance of camel milk for its nutraceutical and therapeutic properties rather than its supplementary considerations. He also emphasized the need to promote nucleus breeding farms and breeders’ societies for camels.

 Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, said, "Through collaborative efforts with DAHD and other key stakeholders, FAO is committed to strengthening the non-bovine milk value chain in India. By combining expertise from government, research, and industry, we aim to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and promote the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of non-bovine milk. Together, we can build a resilient, market-driven ecosystem that empowers farmers and improves food security across the nation”.

The event was also attended by Dr Samit Sharma, Principal Secretary, Fisheries and Gopalan Department, Government of Rajasthan, Mr Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, AMUL (virtual participation), Dr Falguni Thakar, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat, Dr RK Sawal. Director, NRCC, and Mr Valumji Bhai Humble, Chairman, Kutch Milk Union & VC, GCMMF, Gujarat amongst others. The event also witnessed the participation of representatives from the Border Security Forces, which has a camel corps and plays an important role in border patrolling and other services. Vibrant camel races and decoration competitions were also organized during the event. Seven enterprises and private sector entities dealing with camel milk products and equipment, such as Sarhad Dairy (AMUL), Lotus Dairy, Bahula Naturals, Camel Charishma, Selco Foundation, and Aadvik Foods participated in an exhibition which was part of the event.

During the event, further inputs were 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 highlighted the conservation of camels through its breed development, having a concerted clinical trial on the therapeutic properties of camel milk and value chain development in breeding, production, milking capacities, product development and creating a niche market for camel milk.

The event forms an integral part of the UN International Year of Camelids 2024 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).

Media Outreach: