As you move in through the arched entrance you would find yourself beside a camel farm, the only one of its kind in Bangladesh.

Samrat Milk Products (SMP), that originated in February, 2004, results from the initiative of a group of individuals, including Lt. Col. (Retd) Md. Mozammel Hossain, after gathering information from websites related to FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation) and Saso (Saudi Arabian Standards Organization), that spoke of the benefits of camel milk.

"We bought 10 camels from the Gabtoli Haat and reared them," said Hossain, who is in charge. The information collected and a sample of camel's milk was given to the Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute (BSTI) after which approval was granted for the sale of camel milk. BSTI documents were at hand for any person to see.

Information showed that camel milk has a high concentration of volatile acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for human nutrition. Its vitamin C level is three times that of cow milk. The nutritious strength of camel milk is also proven by the fact that nomads in the desert -- the camel's natural habitat where water and vegetation are scarce -- rely on its milk for sustenance and are yet healthy and vigorous.

Camel milk is used as a therapy for drowsiness, jaundice, and problems of the spleen, tuberculosis, asthma, anaemia, piles and improved liver function. It also works as a laxative for people who are unaccustomed to drinking it and has slimming properties for obesity.

Taste and quality of the milk depends on the camel's water intake and the quality of the feed. Though camels are accustomed to drinking water and eating branches and leaves, the camels at SMP are fed with the local diet of wheat husks, liquid from cooked rice and molasses.

Initially SMP distributed free milk samples to the madrashas, orphanages, courts and offices for product promotion and now the milk is sold at Tk 240 per litre due to increasing demand. This correspondent was offered a cup of camel's milk.

At present 25 among the 44 camels on the farm are pregnant. The breeding season for camels is between January and March. They are milked once in two hours, after the babies are fed. The milk is then boiled through a pasteurisation machine, bottled and then kept in freezers. It can also be drunk fresh.

Hossain could not specify about the origin of the camels but a particular camel that had the Hindu symbol 'Om' engraved on its body implying they could be of Indian origin."They could be Indian, Pakistani or Arab," said a caretaker.

Each camel has a nameplate and birth record, as they are required for medical check ups. Qaswa, a 15-year-old male named after the camel of the prophet Muhammad, is the oldest in the group and their leader. Biplob, who would have his second birthday this year, is the first baby to be born on the farm. "Perhaps he is the first camel to be born in Bangladesh," said Mozammel. Boishakhi has been named as such as she was born on Pahela Boishakh this year.

The camels are given viral injections every year at a cost of Tk 600 each. The first symptom of a camel's illness is the lack of appetite after which the body temperature is taken. They are made to run twice a day for physical fitness with all the camels following their leader in a single line.

"Initially we would make them run in the alley but since it caused traffic congestion we have to make them run within the farm," said the caretaker.

He also said they dislike their once-a-week baths. One of their characteristics is that they face the direction of the sun. They face the east in the morning and gradually turn towards the west as the sun sets. Visitors occasionally drop by to see the camels.

"We intend to increase the present number by 100 and we have additional space at Dewanbagh for this purpose." said Hossain.