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Special Content


Issue no 08, 25 - 31 May 2024

International Year of Camelids 2024

Recognising Livestock’s Contribution in Sustainable Development

Sujeet Yadav

The world turns its attention to the often overlooked yet crucial members of the animal kingdom: camelids this year. Designated as the 'International Year of Camelids' by the United Nations, the year 2024 marks a significant moment for millions of families globally, whose lives are intricately linked with these remarkable creatures. From the deserts of Africa and Asia to the Andean highlands of South America, camelids, including camels, llamas, alpacas, and their relatives, play indispensable roles in the livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems of over 90 countries.

The journey towards recognising the importance of camelids began with a resolution proposed by the Government of Bolivia and championed by Ecuador, representing the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC). This resolution, backed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), garnered approval from the UN General Assembly on October 17, 2017, paving the way for the official launch of the International Year of Camelids on December 4, 2023.

Throughout this yearlong celebration, the UN and its partner organisations aim to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about the multifaceted roles that camelids play. These roles extend far beyond mere beasts of burden; camelids contribute significantly to food and nutrition security, drive economic growth, and safeguard sociocultural heritage. Their resilience in harsh environments, coupled with their ability to provide valuable resources such as wool, milk, and meat, underscores their deserving recognition on the global stage.

Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, the potential of camelids remains under-recognised. The International Year of Camelids 2024 seeks to rectify this oversight by raising awareness of their untapped potential and advocating for increased investment in the camelid sector.

Objectives of celebrating the International Year of Camelids

Raising Awareness: By showcasing the economic and cultural importance of camelids, the initiative underscores their vital role in supporting livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage. By educating the public and policymakers, the initiative aims to highlight the significant role of camelids in protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and adapting to climate change.

Promoting Potential: Through awareness campaigns, the initiative seeks to shed light on the untapped potential of camelids, encouraging stakeholders to explore new avenues for utilising these animals sustainably.

Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition: By fostering the consumption of camelid goods, the initiative aims to contribute to the eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Advocating Investment: By calling for increased investment in the camelid sector, the initiative advocates for greater research, capacity development, and the utilisation of innovative practices and technologies, ensuring the longterm sustainability of camelid-based livelihoods.

Understanding Camelids

Camelids, belonging to the biological family Camelidae, are fascinating creatures that inhabit diverse environments across the globe. These varied environments have shaped camelids' physical characteristics and behaviors, allowing them to survive and thrive in extreme conditions.

There are seven existing species of camelids divided into two groups: Old World Camelids and New World Camelids.

Old World Camelids

Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius): Also known as the single-humped or Arabian camel, primarily inhabits the hot arid deserts of Africa and Asia, with a small feral population in Australia.

Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus): Commonly referred to as the double-humped or Mongolian camel, thrives in the cold desert regions of Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus): Found in northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia, existing in the wild.

New World Camelids

Llama (Lama glama): Domesticated member inhabiting the Andes of South America, used as a pack animal and a source of food and wool. Commercial llama farms are established outside their natural habitat in countries like the USA, Canada, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

Alpaca (Vicugna pacos):  Also domesticated, inhabits mountainous areas from southern Colombia to northern Argentina, prized for its fiber production.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe): Wild species found in Argentina and Chile.

Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna): Predominantly inhabits Peru, with smaller populations in Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina.

Significance of the International Year of Camelids for India

India boasts a rich diversity of camel genetic resources, with nine breeds officially registered by the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICARNBAGR). These breeds serve various purposes and are distributed across different regions of the country. The International Year of Camelids holds particular importance for India due to several key factors:

Breed Diversity:

·       India's diverse landscape supports a range of camel breeds, each with unique characteristics and adaptations to their respective environments. 

 

·       Registered breeds like the Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, and Kutchi camels are well known for their draught survival capabilities, milk production, and suitability for agricultural operations.

 

·       Other breeds, such as the Malvi and Marwari camels, serve specific purposes like milk production and heavy load carrying.

Socio-economic Significance:

·       Camels play a crucial role in the livelihoods of communities residing in regions like the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

 

·       Groups like the Raika/ Rabari, Fakirani Jats, and Hajiyani Jats heavily rely on camels for transportation, milk, and other essentials, particularly in harsh desert environments.

 

·       Camel carts are integral for transporting goods and people, while camels are also used in agricultural operations by small and marginal farmers.

Health Benefits:

·       With India ranking second globally in adult diabetes cases, the nutritional benefits of camel milk are particularly significant.

·       Regular consumption of camel milk has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, and enhance lipid profiles.

·       Additionally, camel milk offers beneficial effects for conditions like tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and autism, making it a valuable resource for public health initiatives.

Cultural Heritage and Tourism:

·       Camels hold deep cultural significance in India, with references dating back to ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata.

·       Festivals and events like the Bikaner Camel Festival and Pushkar Mela highlight the socio-cultural importance of camels, attracting tourists from around the world.

·       Camel-based tourism activities, including safaris, races, and cultural shows, contribute to local economies and provide employment opportunities for communities.

Border Security and Military Uses:

·       Camels are employed by the Border Security Force (BSF) for patrolling the Indo-Pak border adjoining Rajasthan and Gujarat.

·       The Indian Army utilises double humped camels for last-mile delivery of logistical support and mounted patrolling in Ladakh, showcasing their adaptability and utility in diverse terrains.

Livelihood Security and Ecotourism:

·       Camelids serve as a vital source of income for many families engaged in camel-related businesses such as camel carts, leatherwork, and tourism.

·       Camel-based ecotourism activities offer economic benefits to rearers and provide tourists with unique experiences, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and conservation efforts.

Camels' Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Camels emerge as pivotal players in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations, particularly in combating hunger, poverty, promoting gender equality, and ensuring sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of their significance across various SDGs:

No Poverty (SDG1):  Communities, especially nomadic and semi-nomadic groups residing in poverty-stricken regions, rely on camel rearing and breeding for their livelihoods. Small-scale farmers utilise camels in agricultural tasks, bolstering their income sources. Camel-based products and services offer sustainable avenues for income generation, contributing to poverty alleviation efforts.

Zero Hunger (SDG2): Camel milk emerges as a highly nutritious source of sustenance, rich in essential minerals and vitamins crucial for human health. Camels contribute to sustainable agriculture through their role in the production of nutrient-rich manure.

Good Health & Well-Being (SDG3): Camel milk is recognised for its therapeutic properties, addressing a spectrum of health issues including diabetes, autism, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and various respiratory and skin infections.

Gender Equality (SDG5): Women play a significant role in processing camel-derived products such as hair, leather, and bone, contributing to economic empowerment and gender equality.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12):  Sustainable management practices are essential for camel rearing, ensuring efficient use of natural resources in fragile desert ecosystems. The development of sustainable camel-based tourism not only fosters responsible consumption but also creates job opportunities while promoting local culture and products.

Climate Action (SDG13): Camels emit less methane compared to ruminant livestock, contributing positively to climate action efforts.  Their use in agricultural operations and transport reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with climate mitigation strategies.

Life on Land (SDG15): Camels play a vital role in desert ecosystems, facilitating seed dispersal and promoting the growth of native plants. Their browsing patterns promote sustainable use of forest resources, preventing damage to smaller plants and fostering ecosystem resilience.

Stakeholders and Their Roles

Numerous stakeholders, including governmental bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), private enterprises, local community-based organisations, and research institutions, collaborate to foster an environment conducive to the development of camel herders and entrepreneurs. Their concerted efforts aim at promoting camel conservation, harnessing camels for dairy and ecotourism purposes, organising capacity-building programmes for camel herders and entrepreneurs, creating markets for camel milk and its products, and raising public awareness about the natural benefits of camel milk.

·       Government Agencies and Policymakers: Governments formulate and revise policies to address emerging challenges in camel-related sectors. Policymakers focus on ensuring policies and regulations support the tangible wellbeing of camels and camel herders, while also fostering economic growth. Initiatives like the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015, and schemes such as the Ushtra Vikas Yojana under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) showcase governmental efforts to promote camel welfare and entrepreneurship.

·       Non-Governmental Organisations: NGOs like Lokhit Pashu Palak Sansthan, Urmul Seemant Samiti, and Sahjeevan work towards empowering camel herders and developing innovative camel milk-based products. Foundations like the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) focus on forest and pastureland conservation, contributing to the sustainable management of camel habitats.

·       Private Enterprises: Private companies such as Kumbhalgarh Camel Dairy, Aadvik Foods, and Amul have ventured into camel milk and product markets, diversifying offerings and creating demand- supply systems. Intensive awareness campaigns by private entities aim to educate consumers about the nutritional value and benefits of camel products, stimulating market growth.

·       Research Institutions: Institutions like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel (ICAR-NRCC) conduct extensive research on camel health, genetics, and product development. Their efforts involve enhancing camel dairy potential, developing diag-nostic tools, validating therapeutic properties of camel milk, and promoting camel-based ecotourism.

·       Community Engagement:  Stakeholders emphasise community engagement to address issues like grazing area shortages and protection of common properties for camel browsing. Platforms for camel-related entertainment activities, organised by governments and private entities, aim to engage and educate communities about camel culture and heritage.

(Author is Delhi based correspondent of an international multi media platform. Feedback on the article

can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.