ICAR- NRC on Camel conducted an ‘Interactive meet’ in Bikaner

The ICAR – National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan in collaboration with the NABARD organized the “Interactive Meet” on 3^rd August, 2021. The event was attended by a total of 210 participants including 160 farmers, NGOs and Entrepreneurs participated in the meeting.

It focused on

• Sustenance of camel production

• How to increase the profits from Camel farming business

• Issues related to camel numbers

• Research aspects of Camel production & health and training

The event was attended by many dignitaries. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra – the Secretary and Director General stressed on focusing on the issues targeting the sustenance of Camel production with reference to the ecosystem and community empowerment to make Camel dairy a profitable venture for Camel Farmers and Entrepreneurs.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Jeet Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan emphasized on the need for research on the diversity of Camels in view of their adaptability to the climate of the different states and countries and conserve high milk yielding for better attention and utility for the mankind.

Jaideep Srivastava, CGM, NABARD accentuated on the working together of the Camel farmers, stakeholders, government and NGOs to strengthen the Camel farming business. He also stressed on the need for developing the business models for easy assessment and flow of funds to the Entrepreneurs / farmers interested to take-up the Camel dairy business.

In his Keynote address, Prof. A.K. Gahlot, Former Vice-Chancellor, Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan regarded the changing scenario of declining Camel numbers as a raising concern for their survival.  He emphasized that the need has arisen to develop a model to provide economic benefits to the Camel farmers from every aspect related to Camel like milk, hair, leather and other dimensions of tourism. This can help to inspire more Camel farmers to move forward in the direction of commercial rearing.

Dr. Artabandhu Sahu, Director, ICAR-NRC on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan stated about the preparation of the roadmap from the suggestions received to carry forward the research on all the aspects of Camel production & health and training for the Entrepreneurship development for the conservation of species and human health relevance in the changing environment.

Dr. P.K. Uppal, Chairman, RAC of Centre emphasized on the promotion of Camel for racing / sports in the rural areas.

Source: ICAR official website