FAO marked the International Year of Camel 2024 at Mitthi, highlighted Importance of Camels
FAO in collaboration with Pakistan Agriculture Research Council organized a seminar in Tharparkar Mithi on the importance of Camels in Thar. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations organized this to mark the International Year of Camel 2024. On this occasion, the importance of the desert hero camel in food security was highlighted. The participants of the ceremony also highlighted the social and economic importance of camel. The services of camel farmers were also acknowledged. International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024) was declared by FAO.
Importance of Camels in Thar Desert
Camels play an important role in the survival, economy, and culture of the local population of Thraparker in Sindh.
Adaptation to Harsh Environment
The harsh environment with extremely hot weather of Thar is not a challenge for camels. They are adapted to these harsh conditions. They tolerate high temperatures, water scarcity, and limited food.
Economic Benefits abd Importance of Camels
- Camels play a role in transportation. They carry water, wood, and goods.
- They also play a role in local agricultural activities.
- Camel milk is a nutritional source for local people. They also used their meat. The camel trade and trade of its product is also the source of livelihood.
- Camel wool is used in local handicrafts
World Camel Day History and Milk and Meat Importance
Cultural Significance
Camels are an important part of the culture of Thar. They participate in festivals and traditional local activities. Camel races and fairs are the key cultural events.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Camels are eco-friendly animals. They have an important role in the ecological balance of desert ecosystems. They play their role by ensuring the minimum consumption of resources and keeping the desert ecosystem mobile.
Camel Breeds and Challenges in Thar
Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kanbhar spoke about other local breeds of camels including Dhati, Kharai, Larai, Sakrani, and Brahvi. He said that these breeds are facing human settlement, development construction projects, shortage of land for grazing in the desert, and other challenges. This also poses threats to the livelihood of camel farmers. Furthermore, these challenges also affect the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem.
Dr. Huma Rizwana spoke about improving the health and productivity of camels. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Tunio highlighted the economic and cultural importance of camel breeds for the desert dwellers. Dr. Tahseen Fatima highlighted the nutritional and medical importance of camel products including camel milk and meat and the marketing opportunities in this regard.
Dr. Humayun, Dr. Chandra, Dr. Attaullah, Dr. Zahoor Palijo, Dr. Musa Khaskheli, Mr. Khatao Jani and other experts provided extensive information about the camels of Tharparkar. They specially highlighted the practical aspects of the importance of camels in Thar. A camel show was also organized during the event in which camels of different breeds were presented.
What is International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024)?
The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of the Camel. The purpose of the International Camel year is to pay tribute to camels, their role and significance.
Key Goals and Importance of Camels
The International Year of Camel 2024 or International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024) aims to:
- Raise Awareness about the importance of camels in food security, transport, and agriculture.
- Promote advocacy for conservation of camel breeds and natural hatitats
- Encourage scientific research on camel health, genetics, products and their role inz climate change.
- Support camel communites for their livelihoods.
Book on Camel Breeding and Biology
Global Activities and Celebrations for Camels
Throughout the year, various events and initiatives marked International Year of Camel 2024, including:
- Camel fairs, races, and festivals to celebrate their cultural significance.
- Workshops and training programs for camel breeders and herders.
- Academic conferences to share research findings.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the significance of camels
