Description

India is witnessing a concerning decline in its camel population, prompting the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to plan the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI). This program aims to restore camel numbers, protect their ecological role in arid landscapes, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these iconic animals. The initiative follows a draft policy prepared in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which was circulated for public feedback in 2025.

Decline Of Camel Population In India

The camel population in India has plummeted sharply over the past few decades. In 1977, there were around 11 lakh camels, but by 2019, numbers had fallen to just 2.52 lakh. The majority nearly 90% of camels are concentrated in Rajasthan and Gujarat, where desert and semi-arid ecosystems provide natural habitats.

This decline not only threatens ecological balance but also jeopardises the livelihoods of pastoral communities, including traditional camel herders who rely on these animals for transportation, milk, wool, and cultural practices. The reduction in camel numbers has also affected desert ecosystems, where camels play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining vegetation cover.

Objectives Of National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI)

The NCSI aims to reverse this alarming decline through a multi-pronged strategy, involving coordination between central and state governments, local development bodies, and scientific institutions. Key objectives include:

• Conservation and Breeding: Establishing breeding centers, gene banks, and protected zones to ensure sustainable camel populations.

• Livelihood Support: Promoting camel-based enterprises, including milk, wool, transport services, and ecotourism, to enhance pastoral incomes.

• Health and Welfare: Strengthening veterinary care, disease surveillance, and nutrition programs for camels.

• Ecological Restoration: Maintaining desert ecosystems where camels act as keystone species, supporting biodiversity and soil health.

• Policy Integration: Integrating camels into mainstream livestock development programs to ensure focused government attention and funding.

Policy And Legal Reforms

The draft policy emphasizes legal and structural reforms to support camel conservation and trade:

• Rajasthan Camel Act Review: Updating laws to balance conservation goals with the rights of pastoral communities.

• Regulated Trade: Promoting transparent inter-state trade with traceable systems to prevent illegal sales.

• Infrastructure Support: Developing camel-friendly transport facilities and digital platforms for trade and entrepreneurship.

• Economic Integration: Encouraging camel-based industries, such as camel milk and dairy products, to generate sustainable incomes for local communities.

Awareness And Cultural Promotion

The NCSI also seeks to preserve cultural heritage associated with camels:

• Educational Integration: Including camel-related knowledge in school curricula and rural awareness programs.

• Festivals and Events: Promoting World Camel Day on June 22 and integrating camels into regional fairs to raise public awareness.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging participation of pastoralists and youth in conservation initiatives to revive traditional knowledge systems.

These measures aim to strengthen public understanding of camels’ ecological, economic, and cultural significance.

Challenges And Implementation

Historically, camels have been neglected in national livestock policies, with more focus given to cattle and poultry. Past conservation efforts were small-scale and fragmented, lacking comprehensive funding and coordination.

The NCSI seeks a well-funded, multi-sectoral approach:

• Coordinating between central ministries, state governments, NGOs, and international agencies.

• Engaging local communities actively in breeding, care, and conservation programs.

• Monitoring camel population trends and enforcing conservation measures.

If implemented effectively, the NCSI can stabilize India’s camel population, ensure ecological balance in desert regions, and provide sustainable livelihoods to pastoral communities while preserving this iconic species for future generations.

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