National Camel Sustainability Initiative Launched in India

India is facing a sharp decline in its camel population. To address this, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is planning the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI). This mission aims to revive camel numbers and restore their economic and ecological roles. The initiative follows a draft policy prepared with the Food and Agriculture Organization and circulated for public feedback in 2025.

Decline of Camel Population in India

India’s camel population has dropped drastically from about 11 lakh in 1977 to 2.52 lakh in 2019. Rajasthan and Gujarat hold nearly 90% of these camels. The decline threatens the livelihoods of pastoral communities and the ecology of arid regions. Camels, once symbols of desert resilience, now face survival challenges due to fragmented policy and lack of focused support.

Objectives of the National Camel Sustainability Initiative

The NCSI seeks to reverse the decline through a multi-dimensional strategy. It involves coordination among central ministries, state governments, and rural development bodies. The plan focuses on conservation, livelihood support, and ecological balance. It aims to strengthen breeding, health care, and sustainable utilisation of camels.

Policy and Legal Reforms

The draft policy calls for reviewing the Rajasthan Camel Act to balance conservation with pastoral rights. It promotes regulated and traceable inter-state trade of camels. Better transport infrastructure and e-market platforms are proposed to support trade and entrepreneurship. These reforms aim to integrate camels into mainstream livestock development.

Awareness and Cultural Promotion

The initiative emphasises public education and cultural integration. It proposes including camel-related content in school curricula and rural fairs. National celebrations of World Camel Day on June 22 will promote camel culture and conservation. Public campaigns will raise awareness about the ecological and economic value of camels.

Challenges and Implementation

Camels have been largely neglected in livestock policies favouring cattle and poultry. Past efforts were small-scale and reactive. The NCSI aims for a coordinated, well-funded approach. Success depends on multi-sectoral collaboration and community participation. The initiative hopes to stabilise camel populations and support pastoral livelihoods sustainably.