India has launched the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI), an ambitious program aimed at reversing the dramatic decline of the country’s camel population and preserving their critical role in the desert ecosystem. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, seeks to restore camels’ ecological, economic, and cultural significance, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat where nearly 90% of India’s camels still reside.
A Response to Alarming Decline
India’s camel population has plummeted by 75% since the late 1970s, dropping from 11 lakh camels in 1977 to around 2.5 lakh in 2019. Causes include mechanization in agriculture, shrinking grazing lands, economic pressures on pastoralists like the Raika and Rabari communities, and restrictive regulations on inter-state movement and trade. This decline threatens desert livelihoods, biodiversity, and even cultural heritage.
Multi-Ministerial and Community-Driven Approach
The NCSI brings together the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Tourism, state governments, and grassroots rural organizations. The initiative, developed with technical input from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), targets camel conservation, sustainable breeding, improved healthcare, and regulated market development.
Key measures include reviewing laws like the Rajasthan Camel Act, boosting veterinary care, securing grazing rights, and creating e-market platforms for traceable and legal camel trade. The program also proposes integrating camel welfare into school curricula and expanding awareness through public campaigns and rural fairs, with World Camel Day (June 22) set for national celebration.
Securing the Future for Camels and Communities
The National Camel Sustainability Initiative aims not only to stabilize and increase camel populations but also to uplift the desert communities that depend on them for livelihood. By merging scientific policy, traditional knowledge, and social support, India takes a crucial step to secure its unique “ships of the desert” for future generations.
FAQs [Frequently asked Questions]
- Why was the National Camel Sustainability Initiative launched?
The initiative addresses India’s alarming 75% camel population decline since 1977, from 11 lakh to 2.5 lakh camels. It aims to preserve desert ecosystems, support pastoral communities, and maintain cultural heritage tied to camels.
- Which states and communities will benefit from this program?
The initiative primarily focuses on Rajasthan and Gujarat, where 90% of India’s camels reside. It targets pastoral communities like Raika and Rabari who depend on camels for their traditional livelihoods and cultural practices.
- What are the key components of the camel conservation program?
The program includes reviewing restrictive laws, improving veterinary healthcare, securing grazing rights, creating e-market platforms for legal trade, integrating camel education in schools, and celebrating World Camel Day nationally.