One-Day International Camel Conference in CUVAS Bahawalpur

Ttitle of the Conference

Camel Milk in Pakistan: Exploring Current Potential, Future Prospects, and Research & Investment Opportunities

Introduction:
The one-day international workshop titled “Camel Milk in Pakistan: Exploring Current Potential, Future Prospects, and Research & Investment Opportunities” was successfully held on 17th February, 2025 at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur, and was proudly sponsored by ELC Biotechnology Ltd. The event brought together experts, researchers, faculty, students, and industry stakeholders to discuss the untapped potential of camel milk in Pakistan and its global significance. With over 70 participants attending in person and additional online registrations, the workshop highlighted the growing interest in this niche yet promising sector. The collaboration between academia, industry, and international experts underscored the importance of camel milk as a sustainable and profitable industry in Pakistan and beyond.

Inaugural Session

Speaker	Topic	Time
Registration & Guest Arrival	–	8:30 AM
Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Ali	Recitation from the Holy Quran	9:30 AM
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz	Vice Chancellor, CUVAS – Welcome Address/Opening Remarks	9:35 AM
Prof. Dr. Faiz-ul Hassan	Dean, FAPT, CUVAS – Brief Introduction of Workshop & Its Goals	9:40 AM

Technical Session

Speaker	Topic	Time
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas	Introduction to Camel Milk and its Nutritional Benefits	9:45 AM
Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar	Harnessing the Global Potential of Pakistani Camel Milk: Sustainable Production, Local Impact, and Future Growth in the Global Dairy Market	10:30 AM
Coffee & Networking Break	–	11:15 AM
Ilse Kohler Rollefson	The Role of Camel Grazing in Ecosystem Health, Camel Milk Quality, and Strengthening Camel-Keeping Communities	11:45 AM
Lunch Break	–	12:30 PM
Dr. Morteza Bitaraf Sani	Sarebanyar App and its Utility in Camel Phenotyping & Online Tracing	1:30 PM
Dr. Moufida Atigui	Camel Milk Processing: Challenges and Opportunities	2:15 PM
Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar	Future of Camel Milk in the Global Food Industry	3:30 PM
Concluding Discussion/Recommendations	–	4:15 PM

Keynote Speakers and Presentations

The workshop featured insightful presentations by renowned experts in the field of camel milk research and production. The keynote speakers and their presentation titles were as follows:

1. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas
   “Introduction to Camel Milk and its Nutritional Benefits”
   Dr. Younas, former Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and a founding member of the Camel Association of Pakistan (CAP), delivered an insightful presentation on camel milk’s unique nutritional profile. He highlighted its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting properties, emphasizing its potential as a functional food to combat malnutrition and improve health. With decades of experience, Dr. Younas has played a pivotal role in advancing camel production research in Pakistan, laying the foundation for the sector’s growth. His work underscores the importance of further research and investment to unlock camel milk’s potential for local and global markets.
2. Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar “Harnessing the Global Potential of Pakistani Camel Milk: Sustainable Production, Local Impact, and Future Growth in the Global Dairy Market” Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar, a globally recognized camelologist, founder of World Camel Day, and head of the Camel4Life International Thinktank, delivered an inspiring presentation on the sustainable production of camel milk in Pakistan. He highlighted the country’s immense potential, citing its rich camel genetic resources, skilled manpower, and vast grazing lands as key assets for growth. Dr. Kakar emphasized the importance of keeping camel keepers at the forefront of policy-making for camel milk and related production systems, ensuring that profits are equitably shared with these communities. He stressed that empowering camel keepers is essential for sustaining traditional knowledge and practices while driving economic development. He emphasized that camel keepers must retain the right to remain in their traditional settlements and grazing lands, ensuring they have unrestricted and unconditional access to these resources. This access is vital for sustaining their invaluable profession and preserving the ecological balance that camel grazing supports. Dr. Kakar also discussed the ecological benefits of camel farming, such as its low environmental impact and adaptability to arid regions, making it a sustainable alternative to conventional dairy systems. He envisioned Pakistan as a global leader in the camel milk industry, blending ecological sustainability with economic opportunities for rural communities. His visionary insights underscored the need for inclusive policies, research, and investment to unlock the full potential of camel milk for both local and global markets.
3. Ilse Kohler Rollefson
   “The Role of Camel Grazing in Ecosystem Health, Camel Milk Quality, and Strengthening Camel-Keeping Communities”
   Ilse Kohler Rollefson, a renowned camel advocate and veterinarian from Germany, has dedicated her life to supporting pastoral communities, particularly the Raika camel herders of Rajasthan, India. As a prolific author and a strong global voice for camel conservation, she highlighted the critical role of camel grazing in maintaining ecosystem health, enhancing milk quality, and sustaining pastoral livelihoods. In her talk, she emphasized the rights of camel keepers to access grazing lands and called for policy support to protect these traditional practices. Rollefson argued against factory farming models, advocating instead for an ethical approach that values camels for their ecological contributions and their ability to produce nutrient-rich, functional foods like camel milk. She stressed that supporting camel herding communities is essential for preserving biodiversity, combating desertification, and ensuring the sustainability of this ancient profession. Her insights underscored the need for global recognition of camels as vital to both ecological balance and human well-being.
4. Dr. Morteza Bitaraf Sani
   “Sarebanyar App and its Utility in Camel Phenotyping & Online Tracing”
   Dr. Morteza Bitaraf Sani, a dynamic animal scientist and a prominent camel figure from Iran, introduced the Sarebanyar App, a groundbreaking technological tool designed to revolutionize camel farming. His work focuses on phenotypic documentation of camels to characterize their genetic potential and improve breeding strategies. The app enables precise camel phenotyping and online traceability, addressing critical issues such as accidents and pilferage in the industry. Dr. Sani emphasized the importance of integrating technology into camel production systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. By leveraging this innovation, he aims to modernize traditional practices while preserving the genetic diversity and economic value of camels. His presentation highlighted the transformative potential of technology in unlocking the full potential of camel farming for future generations.
5. Dr. Moufida Atigui
   “Recent Advances in Camel Milk Processing”
   Dr. Moufida Atigui, an esteemed academic, researcher, and member of the executive committee of the International Society of Camelid Research and Development (ISOCARD), shared groundbreaking advancements in camel milk processing techniques. Her work primarily focuses on enhancing camel milking efficiency, particularly in herringbone milking parlors, and improving the quality and shelf life of camel milk products. With extensive experience in supervising MPhil and PhD researchers, Dr. Atigui has spearheaded innovations in camel milk value addition and technological advancements in the milking industry. Her presentation highlighted cutting-edge methods for processing camel milk, ensuring it meets global standards while retaining its nutritional integrity. Dr. Atigui emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology with traditional practices to unlock the full potential of camel milk, making it a viable and competitive product in the global dairy market. Her contributions continue to drive progress in camel milk research and its industrial applications..
6. Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar
   “Future of Camel Milk in the Global Food Industry”
   Dr. Kakar revisited the topic with a forward-looking perspective, discussing the future role of camel milk in the global food market.

Online Participants

The workshop attracted a diverse audience, including faculty, students, researchers, and industry professionals. Notable online participants included:

1. Muhammad Aqib – MPhil Scholar, UVAS
2. Kerry Osborne – Camel Publicist and Student, Camel News
3. Talha Aslam – Student, CUVAS
4. Muhammad Usman – Lecturer, CUVAS Bahawalpur
5. Marwa Brahmi – PhD Student, Institut des Régions Arides-Médenine/Institut Supérieur Agronomique Chott Mériem
6. Hajlaoui – Participant, IRA Médenine
7. Kerry Osborne – Director, Camel News

About the Host Institution – CUVAS

The workshop was hosted by Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur, a leading public sector university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. CUVAS is the only university in Southern Punjab dedicated to advancing livestock, poultry, fisheries, and allied sectors. Its mission includes:

• Exploiting the potential of livestock resources in Cholistan and Southern Punjab.
• Establishing state-of-the-art facilities for education, research, and innovation in livestock and allied sectors.
• Undertaking extension activities to benefit communities through knowledge and skilled human resources.
• Catering to industry needs by producing safe and healthy livestock products for export.

CUVAS comprises 3 faculties, 18 departments, 2 institutes, and 1 teaching hospital, making it a hub for academic and research excellence in the region.

Workshop Outcomes
The workshop successfully achieved its objectives by:

1. Highlighting the nutritional, economic, and ecological significance of camel milk.
2. Showcasing technological advancements in camel milk production and processing.
3. Identifying research and investment opportunities in the camel milk sector.
4. Strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and international experts.

Conclusion:
The international workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, underscoring the potential of camel milk as a sustainable and profitable industry in Pakistan. The insights shared by the keynote speakers and the active participation of attendees demonstrated the growing interest in this field. CUVAS, as the host institution, played a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and fostering partnerships for future research and development in the camel milk sector.

This event marks a significant step toward realizing the untapped potential of camel milk in Pakistan and its role in the global dairy market.