Stories on camels to be taught in state-run schools

JAIPUR: THE STATE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT HAS SET A TARGET OF INCREASING CAMEL POPULATION BY 3% EVERY YEAR

Children will soon learn about camels from primary schools onwards as chapters on the “ship of the desert” will be included in the curriculum, officials said.

An action plan has been prepared in Rajasthan for the growth of camel population. The departments concerned have prepared plans to ensure employment to the families engaged in rearing camels, declared the state animal in 2014.

Cattle Raiser Welfare Board secretary Anil Machya said, “Children will be informed about camels at the primary education itself. Short stories on camels, their photos and chapters will be included in school courses.”

The state animal husbandry department has set a target of increasing camel population by 3% every year besides it will also implement the camel-breeding promotion scheme, prepared in 2016, Machya said.

According to the last camel census done in 2012, the population of the animal in Rajasthan declined from 7.46 lakh in 1992 to 3.25 lakh. “A special plan will be made for conservation of camels; families engaged in collection of the animal’s fur and milk will be given loans at cheaper interest rates,”he said.

“Subsidy will be given to agencies purchasing camel fur, as this will encourage the textile industry that makes clothes out of the fur.”

He further said that cattle fairs would be publicised and writings encouraged to promote the identity of camel as the state animal.

“Insurance will be given for camel health care, and for compensation.”

Rajasthan State Cattle Raiser Welfare Board chairman Gordhan Raika said last month that a mini plant of camel milk would be set up in Jaipur at a cost of ₹ 7 crore on the lines of the Saras Dairy.

Calling camel milk as ‘white gold’, Raika said the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has given permission to buy and sell camel milk.

“There is a huge demand for camel milk in the country as researches have proved its usefulness in diabetes, autism and other diseases,” he said.

After the plant is set up, camel milk will fetch good price, which will improve the economic condition of cattle rearers, he said.