Camel Milk Processing Plant Nearing Completion in Umnugobi Aimag
Source: DairyNews.today
The construction of a camel milk processing plant in Umnugobi aimag is over 90% complete, with plans to officially commission the facility in October 2024.
This significant initiative is a joint effort by the Governor’s Office of Umnugobi aimag, Solid Partners Group LLC, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The camel farm and processing plant are key components of a broader strategy to modernize and expand camel milk production in the region.
The new plant aims to streamline the production of camel milk and dairy products, increase milk yield, and introduce advanced technologies to the local farming sector. These improvements will not only enhance the efficiency of milk processing but also create conditions for the establishment of sustainable animal farms.
On September 8, 2024, a workshop was held at the camel farm to provide local herders with insights into the operations of the farm, the camel milk cluster policy, and the logistics of the camel milk supply chain. The workshop also highlighted the importance of establishing a robust raw material supply network for the processing plant.
B. Tsend-Ayush, Executive Director of “Solid Partners Group” LLC, explained the progress of the “Mongol Camel” project, which has been in development since 2021. "Our project is focused on drying camel milk for export markets," he said. "As part of this initiative, we are constructing the camel milk processing plant in Dalanzadgad soum, and a camel farm in Khankhongor soum, Umnugobi aimag. Meeting export standards is a key priority for us as we move forward."
Challenges and Innovations
Tsend-Ayush also outlined some of the challenges faced during the initial stages of the project, particularly in developing a reliable supply chain for raw materials. "When we started the project, we partnered with five herder households, but we quickly realized that traditional livestock herding methods would not support sustainable development for camel farming. As a result, we collaborated with the UNFAO in 2023 to establish an intensified camel farm, focused on improving milk yields."
Traditionally, a Mongolian female camel produces around 800 grams of milk per day. However, early on, camels at the farm were only yielding 400 grams daily. By enhancing the camels' diets and training them for milking, the farm has successfully increased the yield to 3 liters per camel, with the goal of reaching 4 liters through further adjustments in feed and fodder reserves. Tsend-Ayush emphasized that adopting intensified farming practices could increase herders' income from camel milk by two to four times, especially as traditional methods of camel herding do not allow for year-round milking.
Economic and Export Potential
Currently, the farm manages over 450 camels, and its products are being sold in local markets. With the completion of the processing plant, the project aims to scale production for both domestic and international markets, meeting export standards and enhancing the economic potential of camel milk from Umnugobi aimag.
The project represents a significant step forward in Mongolia's efforts to modernize its agricultural sector, particularly within the camel farming industry. By integrating advanced farming techniques and creating a sustainable supply chain, the initiative is poised to boost the region’s economic growth and promote the global export of Mongolian camel milk products.
The new plant aims to streamline the production of camel milk and dairy products, increase milk yield, and introduce advanced technologies to the local farming sector. These improvements will not only enhance the efficiency of milk processing but also create conditions for the establishment of sustainable animal farms.
On September 8, 2024, a workshop was held at the camel farm to provide local herders with insights into the operations of the farm, the camel milk cluster policy, and the logistics of the camel milk supply chain. The workshop also highlighted the importance of establishing a robust raw material supply network for the processing plant.
B. Tsend-Ayush, Executive Director of “Solid Partners Group” LLC, explained the progress of the “Mongol Camel” project, which has been in development since 2021. "Our project is focused on drying camel milk for export markets," he said. "As part of this initiative, we are constructing the camel milk processing plant in Dalanzadgad soum, and a camel farm in Khankhongor soum, Umnugobi aimag. Meeting export standards is a key priority for us as we move forward."
Challenges and Innovations
Tsend-Ayush also outlined some of the challenges faced during the initial stages of the project, particularly in developing a reliable supply chain for raw materials. "When we started the project, we partnered with five herder households, but we quickly realized that traditional livestock herding methods would not support sustainable development for camel farming. As a result, we collaborated with the UNFAO in 2023 to establish an intensified camel farm, focused on improving milk yields."
Traditionally, a Mongolian female camel produces around 800 grams of milk per day. However, early on, camels at the farm were only yielding 400 grams daily. By enhancing the camels' diets and training them for milking, the farm has successfully increased the yield to 3 liters per camel, with the goal of reaching 4 liters through further adjustments in feed and fodder reserves. Tsend-Ayush emphasized that adopting intensified farming practices could increase herders' income from camel milk by two to four times, especially as traditional methods of camel herding do not allow for year-round milking.
Economic and Export Potential
Currently, the farm manages over 450 camels, and its products are being sold in local markets. With the completion of the processing plant, the project aims to scale production for both domestic and international markets, meeting export standards and enhancing the economic potential of camel milk from Umnugobi aimag.
The project represents a significant step forward in Mongolia's efforts to modernize its agricultural sector, particularly within the camel farming industry. By integrating advanced farming techniques and creating a sustainable supply chain, the initiative is poised to boost the region’s economic growth and promote the global export of Mongolian camel milk products.
