National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI)

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has proposed launching the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI).

• The proposal was developed in consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was circulated for public feedback.
• It recommends that June 22 (World Camel Day) be observed nationally to promote camel culture, innovation, and conservation awareness.

Current Status of Camel

• Sharp Population Drop: India’s camel population has declined by nearly 75% since 1977, falling from around 11 lakh in 1977 to 2.52 lakh in 2019, according to the 20th Livestock Census.
• Regional Concentration: Nearly 90% of the remaining camels are concentrated in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the traditional camel-rearing states.

About the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI)

• It is a multi-ministerial mission aimed at reviving India’s declining camel population and restoring the species’ ecological, economic, and cultural significance.
  • The initiative will bring together the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Ministries of Environment, Rural Development, and Tourism, as well as State governments, to ensure coordinated policy implementation.
• Core Objective:  To reverse the rapid decline of camel populations and restore their ecological and economic role through an integrated, multi-dimensional strategy.
• Key Components:
  • Breeding and Conservation: Expansion of camel breeding programmes and genetic resource conservation.
  • Economic Revitalisation: Promotion of camel-based livelihoods, dairy entrepreneurship, and value-added products such as camel milk, leather, and textiles.
  • Pastoral Community Support: Financial and infrastructural assistance to traditional herding groups dependent on camels for sustenance and transport

Policy Gaps and Need for a Dedicated Mission

• Fragmented Past Efforts: Existing interventions under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) have been fragmented, reactive, and underfunded, with limited implementation in camel-rearing areas.
• Neglect in Policy Focus: Mainstream livestock policies have largely prioritised cattle, buffalo, poultry, and small ruminants, leaving camels without targeted institutional or financial support.

Measures for Protection, Healthcare, and Sustainable Livelihood of Camels in Rajasthan

• Insurance & Legal Protection – Under the Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana, up to 10 camels per owner are insured (FY 2025–26); protection ensured under the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015.
• Healthcare Measures – Quarterly treatment camps, free veterinary care, and vaccination services are provided under the Free Medicine Scheme.
• Financial Incentive – Under the Camel Conservation and Development Mission, camel owners receive ₹20,000 per newborn calf to promote breeding and conservation.

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