In 1982 FAO gave world population of camels as 18,267,000 of which 14,040,000 were in Africa, while India had 1,050,000 the bulk of which were in Rajasthan. In contrast UAE had 70,000 camels, yet carefully maintains and upholds the heritage of the camel and at the same time conducts the bulk of the camel research, holding the major part of available camel research knowledge in store. Most of the scientific knowledge is in English while general information is in Arabic, where India follows in accumulation of research knowledge, the bulk of general information being in Hindi. Within the camel world there are pools of information built upon years of experience often written in the vernacular. Such would be of extreme value if accessed to the rest of the camel world in other vernacular languages as above.
Camel meat is a good source of protein.
For example in Kenya with a similar case population as Rajasthan it would be possible to produce about 4,050 tonnes of camel meat each year. Some form of simple abbatoir and canning plant should be researched. There is a world shnrtage of canned meat for armed forces and aid agencies. Hence in these areas major attention should be focussed on to more assistance, of various types, in getting the benefits of research to the camel pastoralists, to assist in better veterinary services, improved milk production, access to AI and breeding facilities, extension services, dissemination of camel husbandry knowledge and also professional marketing of camel meat and by-products. Speaking for India and Africa, a wider acceptance of camel milk and an easing of official restrictions would have beneficial effects for wide segments of society.