Gum induction from arid tree species an alternative source of income

Abstract

In arid ecosystem, trees play prominent role in sustainable income generation to the rural population. Gum collection through potential gum-yielding tree species i.e. well known gum producing trees and lesser-known gum producing trees can create an additional income generation opportunity to the farmers in the lean period without heavy investment. CAZRI has developed technology to enhance existing gum production potential especially gum arabic, one of the edible gum having huge demand and widely used, but with low production through traditional methods. CAZRI technologies were well adopted by the farmers of the region and they were collecting an average 450 g gum/arabic tree in lieu of 15 to 25 g tree-1 through conventional method and the sustainable harvest of gums resulted in employment generation and emerged as an alternative source of income to the farmers of arid region.