Workshop on the Potential for Establishing a Camel Milk Cluster in Mongolia Convenes Key Stakeholders

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA – A workshop entitled “Possibilities and Opportunities to Establish a Camel Milk Cluster in Mongolia” was held on September 19, 2023. The event was organized by Dairy Asia in cooperation with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry of Mongolia, the EU-funded “International Trade Development” project, the FAO-implemented project “SDG-Aligned Budgeting to Transform Employment in Mongolia” (also funded by the EU), and the Mongolian Bactrian Association.

The workshop convened 25 representatives from a diverse range of organizations, including Dairy Asia, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia, FAO office in Mongolia, National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Cooperatives, Mongolian Bactrian Association, EU funded “International Trade Development” project, Mongolian Export Clusters Network NGO, National University of Mongolia, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, “Vitafit milk” LLC, “TESO” LLC, “Suu” JSC, “Ingen Erdene” LOE, “Ingen Tagsh” LLC, and “Solid partners” LLC.

Under the moderation of Mr. Batbaatar Bayarmagnai, CEO and Coordinator of Dairy Asia, the workshop featured a series of presentations:

• Ms. D. Otgonjargal, an officer from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, presented on the current state of camel husbandry and milk production in Mongolia, existing policies, and planned government actions.

• Mr. Carl Krug, a Senior Expert from the “International Trade Development” project, discussed the importance of cluster system development and the potential for exporting Mongolian camel milk to the European Union market.

• Ms. G. Nyamjargal, Assistant Representative of FAO Mongolia and Team Leader for the “SDG-Aligned Budgeting” project, outlined supportive activities for increasing camel milk production in Umnugobi province.

• Ms. Ch. Javzandulam, CEO of the Mongolian Bactrian Camel Association, explored the possibilities for camel milk production development through a value chain approach.

• Mr. S. Enkhbayar, Director of the Export Department at “TESO” LLC, addressed the export potential for Mongolian camel milk in markets such as China and the Arabian Peninsula.

During the discussions, participants highlighted several key points. They recognized Mongolia’s significant potential for camel milk production and noted the substantial growth in the global camel milk market. The role of camel milk in enhancing food and nutrition security was also emphasized.

Furthermore, participants identified several challenges, including issues related to camel breeding and health, supply chain and infrastructure in remote areas, and access to veterinary and extension services. The critical importance of establishing a cluster system to connect all relevant stakeholders—from herder cooperatives and processors to research institutions and government authorities—was a central theme. The need for a single-window service to promote an export-oriented camel milk industry was also underscored.

In a conclusive agreement, all participants endorsed a call to establish a “Camel Milk Cluster” in Mongolia during 2024, leveraging the occasion of the International Year of Camelids as declared by the United Nations.