India has created the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI) to combat the alarming drop in camel numbers and revive their role in the country’s ecosystem and rural economy. The effort, announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, follows a draft policy produced with technical input from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and released for public consultation earlier this year.

India’s camel population has seen a steep fall over the last few decades, from approximately 11 lakh in 1977 to only 2.52 lakh in 2019. Rajasthan and Gujarat continue to shelter about 90% of the remaining camels, but their numbers have been decreasing, prompting concerns about pastoral livelihoods and the fragile desert ecosystem. Camels, formerly hailed as the “ship of the desert,” are now neglected due to fragmented laws and limited support.

The NCSI envisions a coordinated framework that includes national and state governments, rural development organisations, and pastoral communities. It outlines strategies for boosting breeding programs, increasing healthcare access, and promoting sustainable use. The draft policy also calls for a reform of the Rajasthan Camel Act to protect pastoral rights while maintaining conservation, as well as controlled interstate trading via modern e-market platforms.