According to the 20^th Livestock Census, the population of Camel, Donkeys and Horse & Ponies in India are 2,51,799, 1,22,899 and 3,42,226, respectively.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India has included Camel and Donkey under the Scheme National Livestock Mission from the year 2024. Under the component, National Livestock Mission- Entrepreneurship Development Program, Central Government provides 50% capital subsidy up to ₹ 50 lakh for the cost of the project for establishment towards the cost of housing, procurement of breeding animals, cost of insurance, preparation of land for fodder cultivation, and equipment for establishment of breeder farm. Further, Under the component - Genetic Improvement of Camel and Donkey, the states are supported through establishment of regional semen labs, nucleus breeding farms, and breeder societies, with funding support up to ₹10 crore depending on the activity and region, including 100% central assistance in specific cases. The funding pattern between Centre: State of this scheme is 60:40 for all the states and for NER & Himalayan States it is 90:10. For UTs it is 100% central funding. Measures taken by States/UTs in this regard is placed at Annexure I.

UT of Ladakh has informed that there has been an alarming decline in the population of Ladakhi Donkeys and Zanskari Ponies, primarily due to the reduced utility of these animals as a means of transportation with modern transportation facilities. As per the information received from the state of Rajasthan, the State provides financial help of Rs.20,000/- to the Camel owner on birth of each Camel Calf Under the Camel Conservation and Development Mission.

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has been implementing the Dairy Development schemes namely, National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) which includes dairy processing and value addition infrastructure of Camel milk too. Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bahula Foods Private Limited to start the sale of packed camel milk. Further, to improve the livelihood of camel herders, three milk collection centres have been established where milk is purchased from camel herders. The collected milk is then processed into packed milk and biscuits, which are made available to consumers. Further, District Cooperative Milk Producer’s Union Limited, Sarhad Dairy, Kutch was supported by Central Government Scheme Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana with Rs.2.65 crore for Camel milk collection, chilling and processing.

Annexure I

As per the information received from the state of Rajasthan, the measures being taken for protection, healthcare and sustainable livelihood of Camel are as follows-

1. Under the state government's "Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana" for the conservation of Camels, one camel per livestock owner has been insured in the financial year 2024-25 in Rajasthan. Further, the state government has increased the no. of Camel to be insured from 1 to 10 Camel per livestock owner for the financial year 2025-26.
2. The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015 is applicable in the state for protection.
3. Camel disease diagnosis and treatment camps are quarterly organise throughout state. Also basic veterinary healthcare such as treatment and vaccination facilities under the free medicine scheme are available through departmental institutions.
4. Under the Camel Conservation and Development Mission, the Rajasthan State government provides financial help of Rs. 20,000/- to the Camel owner on birth of each Camel Calf.

As per the information received from the UT of Ladakh,

Ladakh Animal Husbandry Department takes all necessary steps for provision of all veterinary care services & their welfare, Pelleted feeds on subsidized rates, Construction of tourist pavilion at camel safari riding sites, Tagging for camels, Provision of Camel shearing machines, subsidized feed and fodder provided during winter months. Construction of medicine store at the riding sites for treatment of injured/affected camels, Travis for treatment is under process for tendering to facilitate regular health check-ups.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 6th August, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2153131)