The International Camel Conference was organized by Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), the Qaswa Project, and the Department of Animal Nutrition, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Centre of Excellence (CoE), Qaswa Foundation, and Qaswa Camel Milk Ice Cream (Pvt.) Ltd.
Held under the theme "Camel as a Climate-Resilient Dairy Animal", the conference highlighted the vital role of camels in addressing climate change and promoting research on camel production, health, nutrition, breeding, milk processing, and sustainable economic development.
The inaugural session was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani, Deans of various faculties, researchers, academicians and camel farmers. Special activities were also organized in connection with World Camel Day, providing local camel herders with an opportunity to discuss challenges, possible solutions and future prospects for the camel sector.
The Vice Chancellor stated that the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at LUAWMS is actively working to improve livestock health, productivity and breeding, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic development of farming communities. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani highlighted the importance of camels in the culture, economy and livestock sector of Balochistan, emphasizing the nutritional value and growing international demand for camel milk. A special attraction of the conference was the launch of "Qaswa Cake", prepared from camel milk. Participants also visited a camel habitat to observe camel management practices and their adaptation to harsh environmental conditions.
On the second day, national and international experts presented research findings on camel production, nutrition, health, milk quality and the role of camels in climate adaptation. International speakers included Barbara Padalion (Australia), Carlos Iglesias (Spain), Fatima Ramada (Egypt), Karima Akool Salihi (Iraq), Zamzam Sheikh (Kenya), Valeri Crenshaw (United States), Poliana Mendes de Souza (Morocco) and Abdul Razik Kakar (United Arab Emirates), along with renowned researchers and professionals from different provinces of Pakistan.
Participants called for increased research, investment and commercialization of camel milk and value-added camel products to strengthen local economies and promote sustainable livestock production systems. They also stressed the importance of continued scientific research on camels as a strategy for addressing climate change and enhancing food security.
During the closing session, Chairman, Department of Animal Nutrition, Dr. Behram Chachar presented the conference recommendations, while Organizing Chair Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani delivered the closing remarks and expressed gratitude to all national and international participants, speakers, partners and organizers for their valuable contributions to the successful organization of the conference.