The Indian government is set to launch the National Camel Mission, a multi-ministerial initiative aimed at halting the drastic 75% decline in the country's camel population since 1977. This comes as part of broader efforts to conserve the "desert icon," support traditional herder communities like the Raika, and tap into economic opportunities such as camel milk production, amid concerns over ecological imbalances in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
What Is the National Camel Mission and Why Is the Government Launching It?
Basic Overview: The National Camel Mission is a proposed government program to conserve and increase India's camel population through organized breeding, health care, and economic promotion.
Reasons for Launch: It addresses the alarming 75% drop in camel numbers from 1.1 million in 1977 to 2.5 lakh in 2019, caused by factors like mechanization, urbanization, and changing livelihoods, which threaten ecological balance and traditional economies in desert regions.
Government Involvement: Led by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, it involves multiple ministries to create a holistic plan, similar to missions for other livestock, ensuring camels remain viable for herders and the environment.
What Is the Historical Background of Camels in India?
Origin and Introduction: Camels were introduced to India around 2,000-3,000 years ago from Central Asia, becoming integral to desert life in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
Cultural Significance: Known as the "ship of the desert," camels have been used for transport, agriculture, and military purposes, with breeds like the Bactrian (double-humped) in Ladakh and dromedary (single-humped) in western India.
Traditional Role: Communities like the Raika, Rebari, and Jat have reared camels for generations, viewing them as family members, with festivals like the Pushkar Camel Fair highlighting their cultural importance.
What Are the Main Reasons for the Decline in India's Camel Population?
Statistical Decline: From the 20th Livestock Census (2019), camel numbers fell by 37% from 2007, with Rajasthan seeing a 50% drop, linked to fewer young herders continuing the tradition.
Economic Factors: Mechanized vehicles like tractors and trucks have replaced camels for transport and farming, reducing their utility and leading to sales or abandonment.
Environmental Challenges: Climate change has worsened water scarcity and fodder shortages in arid areas, while urbanization encroaches on grazing lands, forcing herders to sell camels.
Health and Breeding Issues: Lack of veterinary services leads to diseases like trypanosomiasis, and unregulated breeding reduces genetic quality, exacerbating the population drop.
What Are the Ecological and Economic Roles of Camels in India?
Ecological Contributions: Camels help control desertification by eating thorny bushes and invasive plants, promoting soil health and biodiversity in fragile ecosystems like the Thar Desert.
Economic Value: They provide milk (1-7 liters per day per camel), wool, leather, and dung for fuel; camel milk, low in fat and high in vitamins, fetches Rs 50-100 per liter and is marketed as a health product.
Additional Uses: In border areas, camels assist the BSF for patrolling; eco-tourism in Rajasthan generates income through safaris, supporting rural economies.
How Will the National Camel Mission Work to Reverse the Population Decline?
Breeding and Conservation Strategies: Establishing camel breeding farms under ICAR, using artificial insemination and genetic improvement to boost numbers by 20-30% in five years.
Health and Welfare Measures: Providing mobile veterinary clinics, vaccinations, and insurance schemes to reduce mortality rates from diseases and malnutrition.
Community Support: Subsidies for fodder, training programs for herders like the Raika, and cooperatives to market camel products, encouraging youth involvement.
Research and Development: Collaborating with institutions like the National Research Centre on Camel in Bikaner for studies on nutrition, breeding, and climate-resilient breeds.
What Is the Role of Camel Milk in the Mission's Economic Plan?
Nutritional Benefits: Camel milk contains more iron, vitamin C, and insulin-like proteins than cow milk, making it ideal for diabetes management and immunity boosting.
Market Potential: Current production is 1.5 lakh liters daily, with organized dairies like Amul and Saras processing it; the mission aims to expand to exports, targeting a Rs 1,000 crore industry.
Challenges and Solutions: Low shelf life is addressed through pasteurization and powdering; government incentives will help scale up farms and supply chains.
What Are the Challenges in Implementing the National Camel Mission?
Funding and Coordination: Initial budget of Rs 500-700 crore needs efficient allocation across states; multi-ministerial coordination may face bureaucratic delays.
Community Engagement: Herders like the Raika face social stigma and economic pressures; the mission must include grassroots input to ensure adoption.
Climate and Policy Issues: Rising temperatures affect camel survival; integrating with schemes like MGNREGA for fodder development is crucial.
What Is the Broader Impact of Camel Conservation on India's Environment and Economy?
Environmental Sustainability: Preserving camels maintains desert biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and supports carbon sequestration in arid lands.
Rural Livelihoods: It sustains 50,000-60,000 families in herding, reducing migration to cities and promoting inclusive growth in backward regions.
Alignment with National Goals: Fits into SDGs for biodiversity (Goal 15) and poverty reduction (Goal 1), enhancing India's image in global conservation efforts.
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