Camel milk industry booms in Inner Mongolia

Hundreds of camels run on grassland in Alshaa League, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Alshaa League in Inner Mongolia autonomous region is the major home to Bactrian camels in China. In the past, camels were commonly used for transport in desert areas. However, with the rapid development of modern transportation, as well as the low economic efficiency of camel breeding, the number of camels in Alshaa League dropped to 50,000 in 2003 from 250,000 in 1982.

Thanks to a series of protective measures released by the local government and the fast growth of the camel milk industry, the number of Bactrian camels in Alshaa League increased to 120,000 in 2017, accounting for a third of China’s total number. The number is expected to reach 150,000 in 2020.

Established in 2014, Inner Mongolia Shamozhishen Biotechnology Co is the first camel milk processing firm in the region. The firm buys camel milk from local breeders and makes it into drinkable liquid milk, camel milk powder and soap, which are sold across the nation.

According to Ran Qiwei, general manager of the company, camel breeders in the region used to earn at most hundreds of yuan ($14-129) a year through selling camel fur, while now they can earn at least 6,000 to 7,000 yuan through selling camel milk.

In 2016, the Bactrian camel gene pool was established at Inner Mongolia Institute of Camel Research in Alshaa Right Banner. Based on the gene pool, scientists have carried out research to improve the quality of camels’ fur and meat.

Two staff members milk a camel. [Photo/Xinhua]

A herdsman halters a camel. [Photo/Xinhua]