Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Kamlesh Kumar Dhawal, Maina Kumari, Devi Singh Rajput, Rajesh Mohta, Manisha Mehra and Pravin Bano

Abstract:
The present study was done to investigate the general information about camels’ utilization and marketing patterns. Two districts, Bikaner and Jaisalmer were selected purposively according to their camel population. Data were collected from 120 camel owners (60 from each district) of Rajasthan. The investigation revealed that the principal use of camels was in transportation (83.33%), farm operation (73.33%), and breeding (39.17%). About one-third of them rear the camel as a family status symbol. Some of the respondents especially in the Jaisalmer district, use camels in tourism, sports, or in hiring during festival or family functions. Camel was utilized mainly for transportation of farm produces, water supply, bricks, sand, and for family members to nearby cities or other villages. A majority (57.20%) of respondents agreed to sell live camels in recent years. They were selling the camels irrespective of their age, sex, and health. However, male and adult ones were preferred to sell or buy. Camel owners preferred the villagers (73.33%) to sell their camels. They also sold their camels to traders and in fairs. Need for money (67.50%) and maintaining herd size (32.50%) were two main reasons for selling camels. The price of adult camels was ranging between Rs. 15000-30000 for adults and Rs. 5000-10000 for the young calf. However, the majority of male camels got a better price than females. Selling and buying of camels drastically decreased in the study area and the camel’s price is also reduced.