Dairy giant Amul now plans to market camel milk in India

It’s good news for fitness freaks as dairy giant Amul now plans to process and market camel milk in India if they get a nod from the Food Safety and Standards Association of India (FSSAI). According to reports, they plan to carry out this project with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation’s (GCMMF) Sarhad Dairy located in the Kutch region. [caption id=“attachment_2163117” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] According to Business Standard, “FSSAI is yet to formalise standards for camel milk. The animal husbandry departments of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which have a significant population of the animal (Bikaner also has the National Research Centre on Camel, NRCC) have approached FSSAI in this regard.” For those flinching at the thought of this, a quick Google search reveals several health benefits. Camel milk is said to be good for not only the immune system, but can also benefit those who are diabetic. Some people also believe that it has significant good effects on children with autism. RS Sodhi managing director of GCMMF believes that while it is popular in West Asian countries, it may be some time before the business takes off in India. He was quoted by Business Standard as saying_, “It’s a very niche product, and no other organised dairy in India is processing it at the moment. It is consumed in West Asia for its health benefits.”_ Another issue with selling camel milk in India is its salty taste. However, with the host of health benefits and a household brand like Amul marketing the product, camel’s milk may see some demand in India.