Short description of the best practice
Prosopis cineraria is a hardy,leguminous tree species of desert region.It is grown on farmers field for ages because of its multipurpose uses, soil fertility enhancing ability as well as symbiotic effect on associated crop yield. The stem density however varies from a few trees per hectare to 100 trees per hectare. The tree is lopped heavily in the onset of winter season which helps the winter crop. It provides valuable fodder for cattle and fire wood for domestic use (from the lopped material). The tender pods of Prosopis cineraria are used as vegetable and are the major ingredient of "Panchkuta"- a local delicacy. By virtue of its multipurpose uses it gives a kind of insurance to the farmers during drought and crop failure.
Crops are taken in the interspaces during 'kharif' as well as 'rabi' depending on availability of irrigation facility. In rainfed area only 'kharif' crops are taken. Main crops area Vigna radiata, Panisetum glaucum, Cymopsis tetragonoloba, Sesamum indicum etc. during 'kharif'-rainy season and Brassica spp. in 'rabi'-winter season. Facilitating effects are observed on the crop yield because of increased nutrient availability and a balanced resource sharing between the tree and associated crops.
People of the Indian desert worship the species and the state government has declared it as the state tree owing to its importance in sustainable livelihood of the local people.
Location
Experimental area of AFRI, Jodhpur in Western Rajasthan|
If the location has well defined boundaries, specify its extension in hectares:
5.0
Brief description of the natural environment within the specified location.
Arid soil with low water holding capacity, low nutrients|
Flat to undulating
Arid, rainfall ranging from 150 to 400 mm, and high wind velocity|
Prevailing socio-economic conditions of those living in the location and/or nearby
Right of land is with the farmers with long tenure
Agriculture, animal husbandry|
Highly variable depending on source of income, varies between INR 4045.00 and INR 12294. People with both agriculture and animal husbandry practices have higher income.|
On the basis of which criteria and/or indicator(s) (not related to The Strategy) the proposed practice and corresponding technology has been considered as 'best'?
AFRI is involved in niche discipline of research in Arid forestry. And this best practice has been shortlisted after analysis of various interventions and field trials.
