Side event for the International Year of Camelids

Kochi, India – A dedicated side event for the International Year of Camelids 2024 was held during the first International Dairy Federation (IDF) Regional Dairy Conference 2024. The conference, hosted and organized by India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), was coordinated by Dairy Asia in collaboration with the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA) and the International Camel Organization (ICO). It brought together a diverse group of international experts.

Chaired by Mr. Batbaatar Bayarmagnai, CEO and Coordinator of Dairy Asia, the session featured speakers from leading organizations, including the FAO, national camel industry associations, research institutions, and the private sector. Speakers and panelists: Mr. Scott Newman, Secretary, APHCA (Animal Production and Health Commission in Asia and the Pacific) and Senior Animal Production & Health Officer, FAO, Mr. Abdulrahman Alieedan, Secretary General, International Camel Organization, Michael Millward, Director, Department of International Affairs, ICO, Dr. Surong Hasi, Vice Chairman, China Camel Industry Association, Dr. Javzandulam Ch, Executive Director, Mongol Bactrian Association, Dr. Ilse Koehler Rollefson, Coordinator, League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development, Dr. Artabandhu Sahoo, Director, ICAR- National Research Centre on Camel in India, Ms Aakriti Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Bahula Naturals, Shri Nirav Gusai, MD, Sarhad Dairy, Kutch & Moitryee Dutta, Head, Advertising and Planning, GCMMF (Amul).

Key Insights and Perspectives:

Discussions highlighted the multifaceted role of camelids, underscoring their environmental sustainability and importance for milk, fiber, cultural heritage, and tourism. The sector was recognized as a vital contributor to food and nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and regional economies.

• Nutritional and Health Benefits: The significant nutritional value of camel milk was emphasized, alongside its potential therapeutic benefits, positioning it as a strategic food product for improved public health.

• Sustainable Development: Participants affirmed the camel sector’s potential to advance several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Gender Equality. Developing sustainable value chains was identified as key to increasing herder incomes and enhancing rural livelihoods.

• Call for Collaboration: The event concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for enhanced partnership and knowledge exchange among camel-producing countries, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure the future development of a sustainable and prosperous camel sector.