Mongolia is set to export camel milk, with plans for a processing plant in Umnugov aimag. The initiative, started in 2021, aims to support local farmers and improve production methods using modern technologies, resulting in increased camel milk productivity. With around half a million camels in the country, producers are focused on enhancing milk quality to meet international standards, opening doors for successful exports.
Mongolia is set to make its mark in the global dairy industry by preparing to export camel milk, a product that has already gained popularity in the local market. To support this initiative, a camel milk processing plant is planned for launch in Umnugov aimag, located in the southern part of the country.
The camel milk production project, named “Mongol temee” (Mongolian camel), began in 2021 and aims to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers by increasing yields and modernizing production methods through the latest technologies. The project is spearheaded by Solid Partners, an organization that focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and farmer support. According to B. Tsend-Ayush, Executive Director of Solid Partners, traditional animal husbandry methods have shown limitations, prompting a shift towards modern techniques.
In 2023, a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) led to the establishment of a farm that implements advanced milking methods and animal care. This collaboration has significantly improved camel productivity, with individual camels now producing up to 3 liters of milk daily. There are plans to increase this output to 4 liters per day, further enhancing the potential for increased camel milk production.
With around half a million camels in Mongolia, the country is well-positioned to meet both domestic and international demand for camel milk products. Producers are actively engaged in training and advising farmers to improve milk quality and ensure compliance with international standards, which is essential for successful exports.
Camel milk is renowned for its unique health benefits, containing three times more vitamin C than cow’s milk and having a composition similar to human mother’s milk. Regular consumption of camel milk is believed to promote health and reduce the risk of various diseases.
As the construction of the camel milk processing plant nears completion, Mongolia is poised to enter the world market with its camel milk products, marking a significant step in the country’s agricultural development and economic growth.
