India’s dairy sector embraces camel milk for health & profit

INDIA – The states of Gujarat and Rajasthan have joined forces in a groundbreaking initiative to collect camel milk for medicinal purposes, aiming to enhance breeder incomes and capitalize on the milk’s unique properties.

This initiative was catalyzed by discussions led by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who recently met with cooperative workers from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan during the International Cooperative Year celebrations.

The conversation took a pivotal turn when Miralben Rabari, representing the Camel Breeder Maldhari Cooperative Society in Kutch, Gujarat, urged the government to conduct chemical testing and research on camel milk.

Responding to this request, Minister Shah revealed that four Ayurvedic companies are already engaged in studying the therapeutic properties of camel milk, with one having completed its research.

Camel milk has long been revered in traditional medicine for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Rich in lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and vitamin C, it is considered beneficial for conditions such as autism, diabetes, and food allergies. Unlike cow’s milk, camel milk lacks β-lactoglobulin, making it more digestible and less allergenic for infants and sensitive consumers.

Recognizing its value, the governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan are now working on a national collection network to source camel milk from breeders across India.

The goal is to commercialize its medicinal use, particularly in Ayurvedic formulations, and to ensure higher prices for camel milk producers, thereby boosting rural incomes and supporting camel conservation efforts.

This initiative marks a significant shift in India’s dairy strategy, moving beyond traditional bovine milk to embrace value-added, health-focused products.

 It also reflects a broader trend in agribusiness toward functional foods and natural remedies, positioning camel milk as a potential game-changer in both domestic and international markets.

Indian milk production soars by 63.56% in a decade, minister says

Recently, India’s milk production has seen a remarkable rise of 63.56% over the past 10 years, growing from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.2 million tonnes in 2023-24, according to Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel.

The surge highlights India’s position as the world’s leading milk producer, a rank it has held since 1998, now contributing 25% to global milk output.

S.P. Singh Baghel noted that India’s annual milk production growth rate stands at 5.7%, far surpassing the global average of 2%. 

This increase has also boosted the per capita availability of milk in the country, which jumped by 48% over the last decade, reaching 471 grams per person per day in 2023-24 compared to the global average of 322 grams.

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