Ulaanbaatar, January 24, 2024 /MONTSAME/. Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav attended the National Forum “Mongolian Culture of Camel.” The Forum started on January 22, 2024. 

The National Forum “Mongolian Culture of Camel” holds pivotal importance in supporting Mongolian camel breeding. It aims at increasing the population of camels, facilitating the exchange of experiences among camel herders, and introducing and promoting techniques and tools used in camel husbandry. Additionally, the Forum plays a crucial role in developing domestic and foreign tourism, and it includes a trade fair for products derived from camels. 

Over 100 camel herders from 20 soums in seven aimags are participating in this Forum, testing their speed and agility in relay races, camel parades, races to make camel nose pegs and camelhair into a halter, camel race for 3-year-olds, and the selection of the "Best Couple on the Camel" and "Finest Male and Female Camels." 

Chairman Zandanshatar made opening remarks at the “Mongolian Culture of Camel” Forum. The Chairman said, “According to the preliminary result of the annual livestock census, Mongolia has a total of 473.9 thousand camels, an increase of 3.4 thousand compared to the previous year. Umnogobi aimag secured the top position with 157.2 thousand camels, followed by Dornogobi aimag with 54.5 thousand, Bayankhongor aimag with 48.9 thousand, Gobi-Altai aimag with 47.4 thousand, and Dundgobi aimag with 43.7 thousand camels.” 

Two-humped Mongolian camels and the culture associated with camel breeding are a source of pride for the country and a unique nomadic tradition that Mongolian people display to the world. The wool, meat, and milk from this magnificent livestock, a critically endangered species worldwide, are valuable raw materials and a source for Mongolia's prominent brands to compete globally. Therefore, it is imperative that we further promote the breeding of Mongolian camels. 

In 1954, Mongolia had over 895,000 head of camels, a record number of camel population in its history. Raising the camel population to the point of breaking this record should be the policy of the Mongol state and the aspiration of camel herders. Understanding Mongolian culture and the unique nomadic way of life is inconceivable without camels.

Mongolian camels are known for their gentle and placid nature, tolerance, obedience, and exceptional abilities in traveling long distances, bearing heavy loads, and enduring heat and hunger. They are easily trainable for riding and well-adapted to the climate of the Mongol Gobi. Therefore, conserving the gene pool of the two-humped Mongolian camel and breeding them is a special responsibility for humankind. The government has consistently been implementing the policy of protecting and breeding the two-humped Mongolian camel, and this commitment will continue in the future. 

It is commendable that in recent years, the citizens and enterprises of Mongolia have been actively working towards increasing the population of Mongolian camels, increasing camel productivity, and producing various products. 

About ten days ago, the "Red Camel of the Lama Gegeen" from Bayankhongor aimag was officially approved as a new breed. Additionally, Gobi-Altai aimag is currently breeding camels of the "Tukhum Tungalag Brown" breed, while Zavkhan aimag is raising camels of the "Zavkhan Khungui" breed. Furthermore, Uvurkhangai aimag is actively working towards gaining approval for its "Mongol Khooloi" camels as a new breed.

Umnugobi aimag produces “Ingen Tagsh” camel milk, while 'Ikh Khalbaganat' LLC of Bayankhongor aimag has developed a brand of camel products, including yogurt, cake, and ice cream, delivering them to the people. These are just a few good examples of how camel milk is being utilized in Mongolia. 

“In the future, we must dedicate significant efforts to enhance the breeds of camel herd, aiming to compete globally with the use of the myriad benefits derived from the distinctive two-humped Mongolian camels. I believe that the National Forum “Mongolian Culture of Camel” is highly significant for successfully implementing the abovementioned goals, fostering the exchange of experiences among camel herders, honoring their valuable work, preparing the succession of camel herders, and attracting foreign and domestic tourists,” noted the Speaker.