Importance of Camel and World Camel Day
Importance of Camel, importance of camel milk and camel meat | World Camel Day | اونٹ اور اونٹوں کا عالمی دن ۔۔ مضامینِ نو، ڈاکٹر محمد جاسر آفتاب. By Dr. Jassar Aftab
اونٹوں کی سماجی اور اقتصادی اہمیت کے موضوع پر انٹرنیشنل کانفرنس کا انعقاد
Whenever there is talk of Pakistani culture, the camel is inevitably mentioned. Especially Sindhi and Balochi culture has a close relationship with the camel. The camel also has a fundamental importance in Rohi-Seraiki culture. Based on this cultural relationship, the camel is also mentioned in literature.
“Camel, what kind of camel is straight, camel cheap and expensive, camel bigger than big and small, camel with a cat in its neck, camel swallows and hiccups with its tail, camel dies with clothes on its head, and camel has cumin in its mouth.” There are dozens of idioms found in Urdu literature. Camels are often present as important characters in folk tales.
Importance of Camel in Rural Life
The reason for the camel’s relationship with language and culture is not an idea or tradition, but in the culture of the region of Pakistan in which the camel is found, in fact, this animal is a fundamental part of the lifestyle of that region. Be it Thar of Sindh or Cholistan of Rohi or Baloch tribes, camels play an important role in the lives of these areas. Camels play a fundamental role in transporting water and food. This same camel is also used for transporting goods in these areas.
On Eid-ul-Adha, it is sold as a sacrificial animal and becomes a source of livelihood. Not only transporting goods, camels are also a source of food. Camel milk is no less than a blessing for the people of these areas.
Traditional Camel Rearing in Cholistan and Shukar
If we talk about Cholistan, then herds of camels are found here too. These camels roam freely in Cholistan for food. Each tribe has a specific tattoo on its animal. They gather four times a year and identify their scattered animals. This activity is called “Shukar.”
Why World Camel Day Is Celebrated on June 22
The camel is a tough animal. It has the ability to withstand harsh conditions. It tolerates the scorching heat of the desert. It can go for many days without food and water. Since June 22 is the hottest and longest day of summer, that is why this date was chosen for the camel. The idea was given by Pakistani camel expert Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar. Today, this day is celebrated wherever camels are found around the world.
Camel Population in Pakistan Needs Accurate Data
According to the Economic Survey, the number of camels in Pakistan is one million. This number has been the same for the last few years. Of course, this number cannot be correct because in reality, no census has been conducted since 2006. On the other hand, the Punjab government conducted a provincial-level census in the past, according to which the number of camels in Punjab is around fifty thousand, while according to the Economic Survey, this number is around two hundred and thirty thousand. If the exact number is not known, then no kind of planning will be effective.
Supporting Camel Owners Is the Key to Development
The way to benefit from camels at the national economic level is to reach out to the people in the culture with whom this animal lives; understand their problems and take steps to solve their problems without disrupting their economic and cultural system. We have examples in this regard.
Mobile Veterinary Services for Camels
During the previous government, the concept of mobile veterinary dispensaries was given in Punjab. These dispensaries also circulated in Cholistan and provided medical treatment facilities to camels. The Sindh government also started such an activity. Providing medical treatment facilities to camel owners and taking steps for their betterment can play an important role in increasing their number and production.
Importance of Camel Milk
A successful project by the Punjab government to provide a market for milk, the main product of camels, also came up. Milk was collected from Cholistan on a daily basis. It was processed and packaged at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Pattoki campus and then sold in Lahore. Camel milk was sold at major departmental stores in Lahore and Faisalabad. Officers of the department would guide people on the spot about the importance of this milk. This project can be re-run and reached the international market.
Advances in Camel Breeding
Recently, a team from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, led by Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qureshi, successfully experimented with artificial insemination in camels. This can certainly lead to progress towards better-producing animals in camels.
Importance of Camel in Economy
By focusing on camels and camel products, this animal can be made an important source of foreign exchange. Camel meat is nutritious and helps in the treatment of many diseases. Camel milk, which is rich in nutrients, is also used in the treatment of various diseases. The most important feature of this milk is that it naturally contains an insulin-like substance, due to which the need for insulin in diabetics is reduced after drinking this milk. Camel milk is also used in beauty products.
World Camel Day Calls for Serious Policy Action
World Camel Day demands that serious decisions be made at the policy level to benefit from this animal and steps be taken for the betterment of this animal and its keepers. The camel breeds found in Pakistan are the best breeds in the world. By working on them, we can create a distinct identity on a global scale.
