STAFF REPORT KHI: A recently organized two-day international symposium on camel management and reproduction called for empowering camel farmers to promote camel milk value chain to improve source of living.
Presenting recommendations, Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Memon, who came from the US, said the organising team visited camel habitat areas in Achhro Thar (White Desert) and held meetings with herders from other areas leaned that there is big potential to set up collecting points for camels milk to market this important product, which at this time does not have system.
He said the camel milk is being sold at Rs400 per kg in cities like Karachi, while the same in its habitat is available at Rs 50 only, which cannot benefit local communities.
He said by adopting this practice the herders may keep outstanding camel breeds, which are potential for producing more milk and get further benefit. Due to lack of milk market system in desert area, camel herders do not take risk for improved camel breed in their areas.
The symposium concluded with recommendations that research on viral respiratory syndrome, zonotic disease and brucellosis, which may hinder the productivity of camel and emphasis redress the issues through the research.