The United Nations has declared 2024 the International Year Of Camelids. The decision has been taken to highlight the significant importance of camelids in the lives of people across the world.

According to the official website of the Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO), camelids influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries. As a group Camelids include alpacas, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, vicuñas which together help in ensuring food security, nutrition and economic growth especially for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Importance of Camelids

Camelids play an important role in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) envisaged by the United Nations. Camelids are a source of milk and meat which helps people fight hunger.

They also provide fibre which can be used for clothing and shelter.

Camelids are also used by people as a means of transportation. They also provide organic fertiliser which can be used in agriculture.