Thar Shobha:New khejri Variety

Abstract

Khejri grows luxuriantly under the extremely adverse agroclimate in hot arid regions and that too without much cultural care. This leguminous species is compatible to olmost all companion crops grown under the traditional cropping systems. It is a major source of leaf fodder (loong) and its immature pods (sangr;) are used as vegetable, and the produce is nutritious and igh valued. From a mature tree (20 years age), 25-30 kg loona and 10-15 kg tender pod, can be harvested annually, Khejri is a leguminou;;; tree crop having multiple uses, viz. nutritious rich pods and fodder and volu ob le fuel, besides" it s favourable effects on ecology and soil fertility. If not onl,,/ tolerates the extreme edapho-climatic conditions of Thor Desert but also have plentiful foliage, bears flowers and fruits and that too during the driest period. From Wide genetic variability, some genotypes that produce high quality pods were collected fot ex situ evaluation and conservation. From them, 'hor Shobho is recommended to develop plantation for uniform sang"; produc :01f1. Tel, er pods (songri) are sold at high cost both fresh and dehydrated (Rs: 50-,80 and 300-·S00/kg, respectively) and is a eye-catc~in9 vegetable.