The camel population in Rajasthan, known as the ship of the desert, has been steadily declining. Efforts to reverse this trend have proven ineffective. Experts emphasize the need to redefine the camel’s role and value to restore its prosperity. They highlight the potential of camel milk, suggesting its use in various applications such as medicinal treatments and baby formula, as key to revitalizing camel husbandry.

In 2014, Rajasthan declared the camel its state animal, aiming to protect its dwindling numbers by restricting sales outside the state. However, this move has backfired, making camel rearing economically unsustainable for the indigenous Raika community, historically linked with camel husbandry.

Recent surveys indicate a drastic decline in Rajasthan’s camel population, which has fallen by over 50% since 2007, with current estimates ranging from 1 to 1.5 lakh camels. The situation is exacerbated by shrinking grazing lands, exacerbated by large-scale infrastructure projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Many Raika youth are abandoning camel husbandry for more stable livelihoods, citing economic impracticality due to restrictions on camel sales. The economic devaluation of camels, once valued at Rs 45,000 per female, has plummeted to as low as Rs 10,000 due to the export ban.

Experts advocate for legal reforms to protect camel grazing areas and establish a sustainable camel products market. Initiatives like the promotion of camel milk, recognized for its medicinal properties and nutritional benefits, are seen as crucial steps towards supporting Raika communities and revitalizing Rajasthan’s camel population.

Additionally, innovative solutions such as hydroponic green fodder systems are being explored to address the fodder deficit for camels in Rajasthan. These systems allow for the efficient cultivation of nutrient-rich fodder using minimal water and space, which is particularly beneficial in arid regions. By supplementing traditional grazing with hydroponic fodder, camel herders can ensure a consistent and nutritious diet for their animals throughout the year, reducing dependency on increasingly scarce natural grazing lands. This approach not only supports the health and well-being of camels but also contributes to the sustainability of camel husbandry in the state’s challenging environment.

Efforts are underway to explore camel milk’s potential in treating various health conditions, including diabetes and autism, as well as its application in pharmaceutical research. Despite these challenges, there is optimism that concerted efforts can help safeguard Rajasthan’s iconic camel population in future census counts.