Camels stand out against the evening sky in the Thar Desert, a barren region that marks the frontier between India and Pakistan.

In the heart of western India, a unique and ancient industry is experiencing a resurgence. Amul, a Gujarat-based dairy cooperative, launched camel milk products in 2019, partnering with camel herders from the Kutch region. This move marks a significant step in the camel milk industry, providing a valuable source of income for local herders.

However, the camel population in India has been on a steady decline. According to the latest count, the total camel population decreased by 37% between 2012 and 2019, leaving fewer than 200,000 camels among the nine breeds in India. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the surge in development, which has led to the replacement of camels as the main method of moving people and goods, and the encroachment of irrigation projects and new wind and solar farms on open grazing lands.

Despite these challenges, the camel milk industry in Gujarat, as indicated by Ramesh Bhatti of Sahjeevan Trust, has led to anecdotal observations of an increase in the camel population. This is particularly true in Rajasthan, where 80% of the remaining camels live. Here, camels are not just used for transportation but also for wool, milk, and ploughing fields.

One of these camel herders is Bhanwarlal, a member of the Raika ethnic group. For Bhanwarlal, keeping camels is a sacred vocation and an integral part of his culture. This sentiment is shared by many in the Raika community, who have been advocated for by organisations, although not explicitly named in the provided search results.

The camel milk industry is also providing economic opportunities. RS Sodhi, managing director of Amul, states that 60 to 70 camel herders milk nearly 2,000 camels, generating a business valued at between 40 to 50 million rupees (around $538,000 to $673,000 U.S. dollars). Startups like Aadvik Foods, founded by Shrey Kumar in 2016, are also capitalising on this trend, selling camel milk and camel milk powder, primarily sourced from Raika camel farmers in Rajasthan.

Researchers are also investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of camel milk to human health. Particularly, its ability to reduce a person's need for insulin in type 1 diabetics is being explored. However, transporting and pasteurizing raw camel milk is a costly process, as highlighted by Sumanth Vyas, principal scientist of the ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel.

Despite the challenges, there is a growing awareness of the need for the Raika community to have more access to grazing lands for their camels and better support from the government. This includes encouraging the use of camels in transport, promoting sustainable tourism using camels, and creating government-run dairies.

Camel milk, rich in vitamins and minerals and an alternative for the lactose-intolerant, is becoming a trendy drink in India. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to strike a balance between economic development and the preservation of this ancient and culturally significant animal.

Camels stand out against the evening sky in the Thar Desert, a barren region that marks the frontier between India and Pakistan.