Milk On The Move
How a network of collective endeavours led to a thriving pastoral economy in Western India!
Raimal Bhai with his Camels by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
As they have for hundreds of years, primarily nomadic Rabari pastoralists traverse Kutch's arid and semi-arid terrains with their camels
On that note, what is Raimal Bhai doing?...
Jeeva Bhai and Raimal Bhai preparing to milk the camel by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
...he's getting ready to milk his camels!
A camel from the herd by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
Camels are extraordinary and robust animals, exceptionally well-adapted to life in Kutch. Integral to the pastoral systems of India, camels have been uniquely raised for this purpose over a long period!
For instance, camels’ eyes, nose and ears prevent desert sand from entering, making them fit to undertake long journeys!
They also feed on a variety of nutritious shrubs and grasses during their journeys
A night camp by Ishaan RaghunandanCentre for Pastoralism
The camels and herders become part of each other's daily rhythms. They have a profound bond forged through the sharing of vast amounts of time and space
Raimal bhai milking the camel by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
As you may have guessed, the herder's diet relies on camel milk while on the move: it has high nutritional value and curative properties
Low in cholesterol, sugar, and fat, yet rich in proteins, vitamin C, B1, B2, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium, camel milk is truly an all-rounder!
On that note, the camels have been milked!
Jeeva Bhai on the way to a village Mandali (collection center) with the milk he has collected by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
So, guess where Jeeva Bhai is headed now?
He's on the way to the dairy, to sell camel milk!
He's part of a network that has risen to the challenge of setting up an elaborate system of collecting milk from mobile herders and transporting it to dairy centres!
Milkmen ready to submit their milk by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
Like Jeeva, several other herders bring their milk tins to dairy centres, which procure, store, and process camel milk. However, these are recent developments
Raimal Bhai has collected milk by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
Traditionally, herders relied on camel sales for their livelihood and never contemplated selling camel milk. However, shifting economic, social, and cultural paradigms led to a rapid decline in camel populations
It became clear that a dairy market was to be established to safeguard the livelihoods of camel herders...
The camel milk processing plant at Sarhad Dairy by Nipun PrabhakarCentre for Pastoralism
...and so, it was done!
Milk is a perishable commodity, and cold chain infrastructure was vital for kickstarting the camel milk economy. And so, Amul set up Bulk Milk Chillers (BMCs) in swift succession in the region. A total of five BMCs work with camel milk in Kutch now!
Camel milk remained unrecognised as a food item until recently. In 2016, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officially classified camel milk as a consumable, a feat achieved through the persistent efforts of the community!
Efforts to market camel milk led to the development of products like ice cream, chocolates, and milk-based soaps, sold both in stores and online!
Camel milk collection by Vivek SangwanCentre for Pastoralism
Investments in camel milk have yielded significant benefits for over 290 pastoralists, reversing the decline in camel prices and inspiring young pastoralists to return to pastoralism!
Due to sustained efforts, Kutch is the only district in India where camel populations are rising amidst a national decline. From about 7800 camels in 2016, there are currently 10,500
A Maldhari child is playing with a camel by Sahjeevan ArchivesCentre for Pastoralism
The most heartwarming development of this process has been the potency of possible futures that await it. These are those of abundant livelihoods and a thriving pastoral economy
Camels walking through the desert by Sahjeevan ArchivesCentre for Pastoralism
These efforts carve the way for contextual applications in other regions. Surely, our rich pastoral heritage will be carried forth!
Photographers: Nipun Prabhakar, Ishaan Raghunandan, Vivek Sangwan, Smriti Chanchani
Image Narrative and Editorial: Sayali Kute, Sarita Sundar, Tanya Maheshwari
Writing: Tanya Maheshwari
Archive Management: Sayali Kute
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the protagonists of our story, the camel herders of Kutch
