Bhakti Bijlani
Raw: Kutch is a very beautiful area. Many surprising things are stored in this land. It attracts people from within the country and abroad with its various arts. There are many amazing creatures on the land of this area. Two types of camels are found in Kutch, Kachhi and Kharai. The Kharai breed of camel is special in many ways. Because, this camel does not go to the desert but goes to water to get its food. It can cross the ocean. This species of camel has also received national recognition.
Kharai camels are found in the coastal villages of Kutch. Because, the main food of this camel is a plant called cher which is found on the sea coast. Going to the sea and eating the vegetation there is the specialty of this saline camel. Kharai camels alone go one and a half to two kilometers into the sea. They go to Cheriya (a type of vegetation) forests for food. In Kutch, Kharai camels are found in the Gulf region from Chirai in Bhachau taluka to Vondh, Jangi, Ambaliyara and Surajbari. People of Rabari and Jat community take care of it in the form of animal husbandry. The main food of this species is a tree called Cheriya, which grows in the sea.
In the year 2012, the number of Kharai camels was 4,000. Its number in Kutch has now reduced to only 2,000, which is said to be very low. According to Rameshbhai Bhatti of Sahajeevan Sanstha, the main reason for the decreasing number of Kharai camels is the cutting of cher vegetation for their food. For this effort, Sahajeevan Sanstha and Kutch Camel Breeders Association have been doing various works and efforts for its breeding and conservation for many years.
Maldhari Association of Kutch also has to face many difficulties in camel rearing. He also expressed concern over the recent announcement that these camels have been banned on the beach due to security reasons. But real camels go to this place in search of food.
Camel milk is also produced in good quantity in these areas. Ice cream, chocolate and other products are also made from this milk. There are many benefits of drinking this milk. By drinking this milk one can get relief from many diseases. There is huge demand for this camel milk in the country. Drinking camel milk directly is beneficial in diabetes, epilepsy, bile, cancer and many other diseases of children.
Years ago, cattle herders used to go to the Gulf of Khambhat to graze these camels. The story of a fakir named Savla Peer 500 years ago is related to this. If they are to be saved then they should be allowed to go to the desert island of Kutch and swim in the water. Only then can he survive. Maldhari Association of Kutch also has to face many difficulties in camel rearing. Rameshbhai Bhatti finally said that to avoid this problem, the forest department is getting support, but it is still necessary to show sympathy and allow the camels to graze in the open.
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Tags: OMG News
FIRST PUBLISHED: January 31, 2024, 15:01 IST