The Annals of Arid Zone is totally devoted to dryland and arid zone research. The Journal accepts the original research and review articles covering diverse fields like dryland agriculture, crop management, soil-plant-water relationship, range ecology and management, solar energy utilization, desertification, rangelands, sand dunes, livestock, agroforestry, wind erosion, watershed management, biodiversity, integrated farming systems, climate change, hydrology, etc. publishes the findings of research relevant to dryland in general and arid zone in particular.
Arid Zone Research Association of India, Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Copyright (c) 2026 Editor-in-Chief AAZ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Fermented Foods of the Cold Desert Regions of Western Himalayas and their Potential Health Benefits
Cold desert regions of Indian Himalayas covering Lahaul and Spiti, Ladakh, parts of Kinnaur and Uttarakhand have unique geographical and climatic conditions ranging from sub-tropical heat to sub-freezing temperature, as low as -40°C. The ethnic communities in these regions have unique dietary habits, and depend heavily on fermented foods. The fermented foods are prepared from wide range of substrates such as fruit and vegetable, cereal, legume, dairy, and meat-based in addition to alcoholic beverages. Fermentation is achieved through the use of indigenous, traditional starter cultures locally called as Phabs or Malera. Phabs are barley-based while Malera are wheat-based inoculums consisting cereals as carbohydrate substrate, mixture of herbs, spices and prepared using special indigenous process with locally available resources. Fermentation is achieved predominantly through lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Apart from staple cereals and legumes, dairy and meat products constitute major component of the diets of the ethnic communities. Some unique dishes of cold desert regions are hard cheese Churpe derived from Yak milk or indigenous cattle breeds, alcoholic beverages like Lugri, Chhang, Angoori, Khambir roti a cereal sourdough based thick flattened bread, steamed dumplings Siddu and deep fried Marchu. Majority of the fermented foods from cold desert regions have been reported to possess known probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactiplantibacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., and emerging probiotics such as Leuconostoc mesentroides, Acetobacter spp., Kluveyromyces spp. These fermented foods consist bioactive molecules such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Several of these fermented foods have been reported to possess array of bioactive properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory and known to positively influence gut microflora. Characterization of the fermented foods from cold desert regions could provide novel probiotic species, hitherto unreported and offer new insights on the nutritional and therapeutic applications of ethnic fermented cuisines of Indian Himalayan Region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Smriti Gupta, Parul Bhardwaj, Kalit Sharma, Vidyashankar Srivatsan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Nature-based Solutions in Cold Arid Landscapes: Opportunities for Integrated Land, Water, and Livelihood Resilience
Cold arid landscapes are amongst the most vulnerable, climate-stressed regions in the world. They are characterised by limited biomass, slow ecological processes, fragile soils and tightly coupled climate-land-water-livelihoods systems. The geo-physical and ecological constraints often make us think whether the applicability of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is feasible in such an environment. This perspective paper argues that NbS remain highly relevant in cold arid regions- not because of natural capital abundance, but because of their design dimension as overarching and integrative framework. NbS design can simultaneously restore land functions, regulate water availability, sustain climate-sensitive biodiversity, and economic development while also promoting inclusive institutions and adaptive management. Drawing on insights from the Hindu Kush Himalaya and other regions of the world, the paper highlights that in an ecologically constrained space, resilience comes not from abundance and scale of nature, but from its coherent design that sustains ecological functions and processes, minimising both ecological and socio-economic vulnerabilities. We thus position NbS as a core resilience strategy for cold arid socio-ecological systems under accelerating climate change
Copyright (c) 2026 Bandana Shakya, Bibek Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Seabuckthorn Polyphenols and Human Health: Research Highlights and Future Scopes
Nutraceutical-rich functional foods have gained popularity in recent years as means of improving human health. Nearly 200 distinct kinds of nutritional and bioactive substances, such as phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, sugar alcohols, superoxide dismutase, and polyphenols, are found in seabuckthorn berries. A few seabuckthorn-based functional food products have been developed and clinically tested. Additionally, the author’s lab has created two fruit-based, probiotic-fortified functional beverages (apple and seabuckthorn) that effectively guard against intestinal inflammation, particularly inflammatory bowel disease as tested in animal models. The author’s team has also created a unique seabuckthorn wine by co-fermenting seabuckthorn with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia orientalis, which was tested for hypercholesterolaemia effects in mice. Future applications require cutting-edge technologies to develop seabuckthorn-based formulations with enhanced functional properties. Innovations such as the use of non-thermal procedures like high pressure processing can help preserve the maximum content of phytonutrients and nutraceuticals in seabuckthorn-based ready-to-serve products. Furthermore, lack of sufficient in vivo models to definitively demonstrate that seabuckthorn preparations enhance hemostasis and cardiovascular or cancer diseases is another bottleneck that needs to be addressed. Little is known about how seabuckthorn preparations—especially commercial ones—affect human hemostasis, cardiovascular diseases, and other metabolic disorders in the scientific literature. Neither the prophylactic nor therapeutic dosages of seabuckthorn preparations are known at this time, nor are there any particular guidelines for their administration. In future, more large-scale, randomized clinical trials are required, particularly with both healthy and patient subjects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gargi Dey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Editorial: Cold Arid Landscapes Ecological, Biological and Economic Significance
Cold arid landscapes, including the Trans-Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Arctic tundra, and Antarctic Dry Valleys, are among the world's most fragile and climate-sensitive ecosystems. Characterized by extreme temperatures, limited precipitation, sparse vegetation, and slow ecological processes, these regions support unique biodiversity and traditional livelihood systems such as pastoralism and oasis agriculture. Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, cold arid regions remain inadequately represented in global research and policy frameworks. The present issue 65-2 emphasizes six major dimensions of cold arid ecosystems: ecosystem services and nature-based solutions; hydrology, climate change, and water security; biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of plant resources; microbial diversity and biotechnological potential; ecological processes and soil restoration; and pastoralism, traditional knowledge, and livelihood opportunities. The contributions collectively demonstrate that cold deserts are dynamic socio-ecological systems and repositories of unique biological resources, microbial wealth, and indigenous knowledge with immense potential for climate resilience and sustainable development. The articles underscore the need for interdisciplinary research, ecosystem-based management, and scientifically informed interventions to address emerging challenges associated with climate change, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic transformation. Overall, this issue presents an integrated perspective on the ecological, biological, and economic significance of cold arid regions and identifies future pathways for their conservation, resilience, and sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anita Pandey, Praveen Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Dynamics of Cold Arid Zones in the Hindu Kush Himalaya and their Implications for Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being
Mountains cover ~22% of the Earth’s land surface and support ~13% of the global mountain population. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), one of the world’s largest mountain systems, provides critical ecosystem services-water, food, bioresources, and energy-sustaining about 240 million mountain people. Cold arid environments in the HKH are governed by interactions among precipitation, atmospheric moisture demand, temperature, and elevation. Analysis of ecosystem classes for 2000, 2010, and 2022 reveals marked spatial and temporal shifts across cold arid zones, including the cryosphere, high-altitude wetlands, and alpine vegetation. Change detection (2000-2022) highlights strong spatial heterogeneity in land-cover transitions, indicating diverse, localized responses to climatic change. Overall, the region shows a coupled pattern of vegetation expansion, cryosphere decline, and wetland formation, reflecting climate-driven restructuring of high-elevation ecosystems. These transformations in cold arid ecosystems-across glaciers, snow systems, wetlands, and alpine vegetation-are increasing risks for downstream populations. Declining ecosystem services are likely to reduce agricultural productivity, heighten disaster risks, and undermine human well-being in both mountain and downstream regions. Cold arid ecosystems are therefore critical in the context of climate and global change, requiring targeted attention and sustained investment to enhance resilience and support sustainable development.
alpine vegetation, climate change, high-altitude wetlands, mountains, snow and glacier, spatial-temporal changes
Copyright (c) 2026 Eklabya Sharma, Avantika Thapa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
As the climate warms, permafrost thawing impacts nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes by altering their availability and timing, which in turn affects ecosystem productivity and greenhouse gas emissions. Phosphorus has been identified as a more significant regulator of gross primary productivity (GPP) and the net ecosystem carbon balance compared to nitrogen, which has traditionally been considered the primary limiting nutrient along thaw gradients. The timing mismatch between peak nitrogen release due to permafrost thawing and plant uptake leads to increased nitrogen loss as nitrous oxide emissions. During permafrost thaw, microbial communities face co-limitation by nitrogen and phosphorus, which affects nutrient cycling rates and potential carbon loss. Additionally, changes in hydrological processes driven by the deepening of the permafrost thaw layer alter nutrient mobilization and transport to aquatic ecosystems, impacting freshwater biogeochemistry. The intricate interactions between nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics govern carbon distribution in ecosystems during permafrost thaw, underscoring the importance of incorporating nutrient co-limitations, microbial processes, and temporal nutrient availability patterns to enhance the predictions of permafrost responses to climate change
Copyright (c) 2026 Vasudha Agnihotri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Medicinal Plant Diversity and Traditional Healthcare Knowledge in the Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert of Ladakh, India
The Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh, situated in the western Indian Himalaya, represents one of the most ecologically extreme yet biologically significant high-altitude landscapes. Characterized by high elevations, low precipitation, intense solar radiation, prolonged winters, and short growing seasons, the region supports a fragile ecosystem where vegetation is sparse but highly specialized. Despite these harsh environmental conditions, Ladakh harbours considerable floristic diversity, with nearly 500 plant taxa reported to be used in traditional healthcare systems, highlighting its importance as a reservoir of ethnomedicinal knowledge and plant genetic resources. Traditional medicinal knowledge, preserved and practiced for centuries by indigenous communities, continues to play a central role in primary healthcare, particularly in remote settlements where modern medical services remain limited. The traditional Sowa Rigpa (Amchi) system of medicine relies extensively on locally available plant resources to treat respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, musculoskeletal problems, altitude-related illnesses, and chronic diseases. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that families such as Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae dominate the medicinal flora, with herbaceous species and leaf-based preparations being most common. Several high-value species, including Aconitum heterophyllum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum spp., Rhodiola spp., and Saussurea costus, exhibit significant pharmacological potential. However, medicinal plant resources face growing threats from climate change, habitat degradation, overharvesting, and rapid socio-economic transitions. Conservation initiatives led by regional institutions and community participation are promoting documentation, cultivation, and sustainable management of these valuable resources. This review synthesizes historical, ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and conservation studies to provide an integrated understanding of medicinal plant diversity in Ladakh, emphasizing its significance for local healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and future pharmacological research in the Trans-Himalayan region
Copyright (c) 2026 Vaneet Jishtu, Dr. G.S. Goraya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Cold and Salt Tolerant Hydrolase Producing Bacteria from the High Altitude Cold Desert of Ladakh, India: Characterization and Comparative In Silico Analysis
The high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh represents a polyextreme environment where low temperature, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, desiccation, intense solar radiation, and salinity fluctuations collectively shape microbial survival. In the present study, water samples from Pangong Lake and the Indus River were used to isolate culturable bacteria across NaCl gradients (0.9-12%, w/v) at 20 and 37 °C. A total of 112 bacterial isolates were recovered and screened for extracellular amylase, protease, cellulase, and xylanase production, revealing broad hydrolytic potential along with notable pigmentation diversity. Six representative enzyme-hyperproducing isolates were selected for phenotypic, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene-based characterization and showed closest affiliation to Halobacillus trueperi, Alkalibacillus flavidus, Glutamicibacter nicotianae, Brachybacterium rhamnosum, and Pantoea vagans. To extend the culture-based observations, comparative in silico analyses were performed using publicly available reference proteomes corresponding to the closest identified taxa. These analyses revealed trends associated with adaptation to low temperature and osmotic stress, including variation in glycine-to-proline ratio, shifts in mean isoelectric point, and reduced salt-bridge networks in modeled cold shock proteins relative to the thermophilic reference Thermus thermophilus. Comparative gene mining also indicated the presence of UV-repair and oxidative-stress functions relevant to persistence in high-altitude environments. Together, these findings highlight the biotechnological potential of culturable Ladakh bacteria as sources of hydrolases active under combined cold and saline conditions, while providing preliminary comparative insights into molecular traits associated with survival in high-altitude cold-desert habitats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anjali Gupta, Shubham Pandey, Bhavna Parmar, Ayushi Singh, Simran Yadav, Ashwini Chauhan, Ram Karan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Enhanced Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid by Bacillus Strains Using Immobilized Cell Systems on AMBERJET® 4200 for Potential Application as Agricultural Bioinoculants
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture through the production of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Among them, Bacillus spp. Are particularly noted for their metabolic versatility and environmental resilience. This study aimed to compare IAA production by free-living versus immobilized Bacillus strains (RC9 and RC15), isolated from coffee rhizospheres, using AMBERJET® 4200 Cl- as a porous solid support. The strains were cultured in a minimal medium supplemented with tryptophan, and IAA synthesis was quantified via colorimetric (Salkowski reagent) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods. Immobilized cells demonstrated significantly higher IAA yields and specific productivity compared to their free-cell counterparts (p < 0.05), even when cell density was suboptimal levels. Notably, the RC9 immobilized derivative outperformed all experimental set ups, suggesting enhanced bioconversion efficiency and possible activation of endogenous biosynthetic pathways. These findings underscore the potential of immobilization technology to optimize microbial auxin production and contribute to the development of bioinoculants for sustainable crop management.
indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), cell immobilization, bioinoculants
Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Castillo-Alfonso, Mickel Palomino, Jorge González-Bacerio, Alberto del Monte Martínez, Marcia M. Rojas, Roberto Olivares-Hernández https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Green Insecticidal Approach: Toxicity of Peganum harmala Fixed Oil against Tribolium castaneum
This study investigated the insecticidal effect of the fixed oil of Peganum harmala L., collected from the Reguiba region in Oued Souf Province, against the stored-product pest Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797). The fixed oil was extracted from the seeds using a Soxhlet apparatus, yielding 24.33%, whereas mechanical cold pressing produced an exceptionally higher yield of 30.13%. Bioassays were conducted using two methods: direct contact and fumigation. Three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 μl mL-1) were tested, with three replicates for each. In direct contact tests, mortality reached 100% after 24 h at 2.5 and 5 μl mL-1, and 90% after 6 h at 10 μl mL-1, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 2.34 μl mL-1 after 12 h. During fumigation, 100% mortality was observed after 48 h at 5 μl mL-1 and after 24 h at 10 μl mL-1, with an LC50 of 7.52 μl mL-1 after 12 h. Mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis and corrected with Abbott’s formula. These results demonstrate that the toxicity of P. harmala fixed oil is both dose- and time-dependent, as adult T. castaneum mortality increased progressively with higher concentrations and longer exposure periods. Overall, the study highlights the potential of P. harmala fixed oil as a natural biopesticide for the management of major stored-product pests.
Fixed oil, Peganum harmala, Tribolium castaneum, stored-product pest, contact toxicity, insecticidal activity
Copyright (c) 2026 Alayat Moufida Saoucen, Mouane Aicha, Guezzoun Nassima, Assas Fouad, Serrage Nassima, Gheid Samira, Henni Meriem , Chikha Maria, Bendali-Saoudi Fatiha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Multivariate Assessment of Genetic Variation and Trait Associations in Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia Jacq.)
Genetic variability, trait associations, and genetic divergence was studied among 49 moth bean genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant genetic variation for most of the growth and yield-related traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations of total pods, clusters, and reproductive traits on branches with seed yield, while test weight was largely independent, allowing simultaneous improvement of yield and seed size. Principal component analysis explained 67.4% of total variability with the first two components; PC1 highlighted reproductive traits driving yield variation, and PC2 emphasized seed size and pod distribution. Leveraging these results, three PCA-based multi-trait selection indices—Yield Index, Seed Size Index, and Architecture Index—were constructed using respective trait loadings to streamline simultaneous selection of complex traits aligned with breeding objectives. Cluster analysis using Mahalanobis D² distances and Ward’s minimum variance method grouped genotypes into five distinct clusters revealing substantial genetic divergence. Unique genotypes in single-genotype clusters offer valuable genetic resources for broadening crop diversity. This integrative approach combining phenotypic variance, multivariate analysis, and genetic clustering provides a robust framework for effective parent selection and accelerated genetic gain in moth bean.
Genetic variability, moth bean, multi - trait selection indices, principal component analysis, trait associations
Copyright (c) 2026 Khushwant B. Choudhary, Hans Raj Mahla, Ramavtar Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Saharan Desert: Climate, Terrain and Contemporary Perspectives
The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert on earth, represents a complex system shaped by geological evolution, atmospheric circulation and human interactions. This review synthesizes available knowledge on its origin, climate, geomorphology, hydrology, soils, vegetation and socio-economic conditions, with emphasis on recent environmental changes. Geological evidence suggests that aridity in North Africa dates back to the Miocene, with pronounced humid-arid oscillations during the Quaternary driven by orbital forcing and monsoonal variability. The region is characterized by extremely low rainfall, high temperature variability and dominance of aeolian processes. Despite limited water availability, fossil aquifers and external river systems support sparse populations and localized agriculture. Emerging challenges include climate change, desertification, groundwater depletion and socio-economic transitions. Future projections indicate regionally variable responses, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies.
Sahara Desert, aridity, climate variability, agriculture, groundwater, desertification
Copyright (c) 2026 P. C. Moharana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Genetic Divergence and Multivariate Analysis of Isabgol Genotypes for Yield-Related Traits in Arid Environments
Isabgol is a commercially significant medicinal crop cultivated for its valuable seed husk, but its productivity in arid environments remains constrained by limited genetic diversity. To cope up with this limitation, 25 genotypes were examined with the objective of assessing genetic variability and identifying high-performing genotypes for yield enhancement in the present study under arid conditions, including two checks (GI-4 and VI-3). A broad spectrum of genetic variability was observed among the isabgol genotypes for yield and related traits. Genotype CZI-24-1 recorded higher seed yield (23.72 g), whereas CZI-24-20 demonstrated superior performance for key yield-contributing traits, including the number of seeds per spike (134.17), number of spikes per plant (127.78), and spike length (8.19 cm). Multivariate analyses using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis identified genotypes CZI-24-6 and CZI-24-16 as potential candidates for yield enhancement, whereas CZI-24-20, CZI-24-23, and CZI-24-21 demonstrated superior performance for key yield-contributing traits. The genotype CZI-24-16 displayed a unique expression of white-color spikes, representing the first documented occurrence of this trait in isabgol. PCA and correlation analyses indicated that spike morphology traits such as spike length, spikes per plant, and seeds per spike, were the major determinants of yield variability; whereas seed yield per plant contributed independently with limited association to other yield traits. These findings revealed the significant genetic diversity, offering a foundation for selecting elite genotypes of isabgol. However, multilocation and multiyear testing is needed to confirm their stability and adaptability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khushwant B. Choudhary, Laxman Singh Rajput https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Arctic Microbial Resources: Treasure House for Bioprospecting
The Arctic region is one of the most extreme and rapidly transforming environments on Earth, characterized by low temperatures, extreme seasonal variations in light and accelerated warming that significantly influence fragile ecosystems. Microbial populations found in Arctic ecosystem play a crucial role in driving biogeochemical cycle. As such, polar microbes, serve as sensitive indicators of climate change and have the potential to be valuable resources for bioprospecting. Microorganisms that thrive in cold conditions, known as psychrophiles and psychrotolerants, have developed unique molecular adaptations, such as cold-active enzymes, antifreeze proteins, exopolysaccharides, pigments, and secondary metabolites, that provide significant biotechnological benefits across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, bioremediation, and sustainable chemistry. This review delivers an in-depth synthesis of the diversity of Arctic microorganisms and their potential for bioprospecting. The coverage includes bacteria, archaea, cyanobacteria, microalgae, fungi, and viruses across terrestrial, cryospheric, and marine. The review also addresses challenges associated with climate-driven changes and ethical considerations related to polar resource exploration, while outlining future possibilities for sustainable biotechnological utilization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sai Mahesh Kumar Senthil Kumar, Radhakrishnan Manikkam, Kishore kumar Annamalai, Manigundan Kaari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Patagonian Andean Ecosystems: Conserving and Harnessing Their Microbiota
Andean Patagonia is a globally significant yet understudied mountain biodiversity hotspot where microorganisms remain largely overlooked despite their key ecological roles and biotechnological potentials. Here, microbial communities inhabit extreme niches shaped by strong climatic and altitudinal gradients, glacial dynamics, and environmental heterogeneity, harboring unique stress adapted microorganisms with valuable metabolic capabilities and ecosystem functions. Emerging studies from northern and central Andes in Chile, and southern Patagonian systems, reveal highly diverse, spatially structured microbiomes in diverse habitats, closely coupled to local abiotic and biotic conditions, and sensitive to warming induced glacier retreat. Andean Patagonia likely contains many endemic, functionally critical microbial lineages, underscoring the compelling need to integrate microbes into regional conservation strategies and long-term bioprospecting agendas
Copyright (c) 2026 Sergio Leiva Poveda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Future of Soil Science under Present Scenario
Soil is a critical natural resource central to food security, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem sustainability, yet soil science remains underprioritized in modern research and policy. With soils storing more carbon than atmospheric and vegetative pools combined, improving carbon flux quantification and sequestration strategies is increasingly urgent. The future of soil science depends on integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, nanotechnology, remote sensing, and data analytics to enhance soil characterization, digital mapping, precision nutrient management, and real-time monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2026 J. C. Tarafdar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Capparis spinosa L. is Still a Difficult-to Propagate Crop - A Propagation Trial at Spiti Valley, India
Capparis spinosa L. (Capara or caper bush) is a perennial climber adapted naturally to the cold desert of the trans-Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. The species is collected from the wild, holds significant cultural value and has a role in the traditional cuisine as well as the medicine system of Spitians belonging to the Bhoti ethnic community. Under the risk of developmental activities such as mountain cuttings, excavation, path broadening, etc., the climbers are always seen uprooted, strangled, hanging on the cliff near roads in Spiti Valley. In a recent scenario, these spiny-bushes are ignored by denizens on their farms and referred to as less commercial than domesticated horticultural crops. Consequently, its utilisation remains limited to household consumption with minimal attention to its commercial and ecological aspects. Hence, propagation trials on standardization of site-specific agro-techniques for multiplication and domestication of wild germplasm have been undertaken at Regional Horticultural Research Sub-Station (RHRSS) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tabo, (H.P). As per previous literature studies, both sexual and asexual propagation methods have been tested using seeds and vegetative methods such as stem/root cuttings, respectively. However, consecutive three-year trials (2023-2025) of propagation methods have consistently showed poor establishment with unsuccessful results. The conducted trials indicate this medicinal plant species is still as difficult to propagate a crop in a cold desert region. With these constraints, attention must be given to strengthening in situ conservation to ensure its sustenance in natural habitats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bandana Dhiman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Political Ecology of Transhumance Pastoralism in the Central Himalaya-Conservation, Livelihoods and Institutional Transformation: Thematic Report
The Central Himalaya of Uttarakhand is home to two important pastoral communities, the transhumant Bhotiya people and the forest-dwelling nomadic Van Gujjars. For centuries, these communities have depended on seasonal migration with their livestock, moving between lower valleys in winter and high-altitude alpine pastures in summer. This traditional system, known as transhumance, helped them survive in the harsh mountain environment while also using natural resources in a balanced and sustainable way. However, significant changes emerged in their traditional life in the early 1980s after the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the creation of protected areas such as Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park in 1982. These conservation measures restricted pastoral communities from entering many of their traditional summer grazing areas in Chamoli district. As a result, their traditional way of life began to change rapidly. Earlier, Himalayan pastoralism was considered an effective system for managing mountain resources because grazing patterns followed seasonal cycles and allowed pastures to regenerate naturally. But over time, strict conservation policies reduced grazing spaces and forced many pastoral families to adopt limited or “nuclear” forms of transhumance, where only a few family members continue migrating with livestock. Government agencies, especially the Forest Department, often view pastoralism as harmful to the environment. Yet, there is very little strong scientific evidence from the Himalayan region to prove that traditional grazing alone causes ecological damage. In fact, many local communities believe that controlled grazing has long helped maintain biodiversity and healthy grasslands. This issue is not only environmental but also social, cultural, and political. Alpine pastures are more than grazing lands, they are shared community resources deeply connected to the culture, traditions, spirituality, and livelihoods of mountain people. Restricting access to these lands has weakened traditional rights and increased uncertainty for pastoral communities. Most studies on Himalayan pastures have focused mainly on livestock and natural resources, while giving less attention to local institutions, traditional knowledge, and the everyday struggles of pastoral communities. There is also limited understanding of how conservation policies affect the livelihoods and rights of local people living around protected areas. This paper argues that conservation efforts in the Himalayas cannot succeed if local communities are excluded from decision-making. Sustainable management of fragile mountain ecosystems requires the active participation of pastoralists and local residents. A balanced approach is needed, one that protects biodiversity while also respecting traditional rights, cultural values, and the economic well-being of Himalayan pastoral communities.
Copyright (c) 2026 R.K. Maikhuri, Girish Bhatt, Harendra Rawat, Suresh Bhatt, Rama Maikhuri , Kiran Dangawal, Chandan Negi, Ajay Maletha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Technological Advancements in Dairy Processing for Cold Arid Regions: Case Study of Yak Milk
Yak husbandry forms the backbone of livelihoods in the cold arid regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, where yak milk and its products constitute an important source of nutrition and income. This review examines traditional and emerging technologies in yak dairy processing, highlighting the unique nutritional composition of yak milk, including its high protein, fat, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and omega-3 fatty acid contents. Traditional dairy products such as butter, yogurt, qula, kurut, chugo, and yak cheese are discussed alongside their cultural significance and processing methods. Recent scientific evidence suggests that yak milk contains bioactive compounds and peptides with potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the sector continues to face challenges related to low milk productivity, harsh environmental conditions, pasture degradation, disease risks, and limited market access. The review further explores opportunities for technological advancement through the adoption of autochthonous starter cultures, enzyme-assisted cheese manufacture, high-pressure processing, fermented milk concentrates technologies, and advanced packaging systems. These innovations have the potential to improve product quality, shelf life, safety, and marketability while preserving the unique characteristics of traditional yak dairy products. Strengthening technological interventions and value addition in yak milk processing can contribute significantly to the sustainability and profitability of yak-based production systems in cold arid regions.
In Search of Undisturbed Grazing Lands: The Beleaguered Himalayan Pastoralists
Pastoralism, as a human survival strategy, evolved thousands of years before the advent of agriculture and other forms of sustenance. Its continued practice in various geographical areas, particularly in the high-altitude Himalayas, underscores the sustainability embedded in this way of life. Pastoralism has been vital to the cultural and economic survival of numerous communities across regions such as the Western Himalayas of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, Central Himalaya in Uttarakhand, and the Eastern Himalayan regions of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This paper aims to examine various issues related to the number of pastoral communities engaged in pastoral grazing, the developmental challenges that directly and indirectly affect resource availability in rangelands, and the recent problems arising in these rangelands and their migratory routes due to various developmental initiatives in the high-altitude Himalayan areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nehal A Farooquee, P.V.K. Sasidhar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Developmental Case Report of Women Empowerment through Sea-buckthorn Based Enterprise in Trans Himalayan Region
Women empowerment is key to sustainable development, especially in remote and ecologically fragile regions like the Trans Indian Himalayas. This study explores the role of Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae sp.) based enterprises in promoting economic independence, social status, skill development, and environmental conservation among women in the Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Sea-buckthorn growing wild in the region is locally called as salla, chharma, etc. is a hardy and nutrient-rich species, providing income opportunities through the production of high value products, such as food supplements. The species also aids in soil erosion prevention and land rehabilitation in the barren areas of the region. Technological interventions in enterprise development foster both skill growth and economic resilience. The study also highlights how sea-buckthorn enterprise enhance women’s socioeconomic status, strengthen local livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development goals. The empowerment of women through environmental stewardship and business leadership in this region offers a model for resilience and can be replicated in areas with similar conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sarla Shashni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Mining Indian Cold-Desert-Gold: The Seabuckthorn for Health and Sustainable Development
The geopolitical situation warrants rapid and sustainable development in the cold desert regions of India, particularly at high-altitudes of Himalayas. However, the difficult terrain, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, low precipitation, intense solar radiation, all put together, challenge the traditional cultivation and job opportunities in such regions, thereby slowing growth and economic progress. These factors necessitate management and efficient use of natural resources through inclusive policies to strengthen the economy and promote growth. Seabuckthorn, a multipurpose dioecious shrub bearing orange- to yellow-coloured berries, has been growing abundantly in the Himalayan wilderness since the 8th century and is well adapted to the region’s harsh climatic conditions. Its berries and leaves offer significant pharmacological value, aligning traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific validation. Across the world, Seabuckthorn is gaining increasing recognition for its remarkable economical, ecological and pharmacological potential, rightly earning it the title “Cold-Desert-Gold”. Leading market research agency Stratistics MRC, forecasted Seabuckthorn global market to reach USD 890.7 million by 2030 at CGAR of 12.1%. It is noteworthy that the Indian Seabuckthorn market, though has remained nascent so far, yet demonstrates considerable potential for expansion. This paper briefly reviews the diverse uses of Seabuckthorn and opines on the gap areas for research, sustainable agricultural practices, strategic measures and policy support required to achieve multi-fold growth of Seabuckthorn-led sustainable development in Indian cold deserts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Madhu Bala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Potential Role of Microbes in Soil Fertility Restoration in Arid Zones
Arid lands are distributed across multiple climatic regions worldwide and play an important role in supporting communities by providing key ecosystem services and natural resources. However, the lands are constrained by chronic water scarcity, extreme temperatures, intense solar radiation, and high evapotranspiration, all of which severely limit biological productivity. Arid soils are typically poor in organic matter, weakly aggregated, often saline or alkaline, and nutrient-depleted, making them highly vulnerable to soil erosion and long-term degradation. Harsh conditions also alter soil microbial communities by reducing microbial abundance, shifting community composition toward stress-tolerant taxa, weakening enzymatic activity, and disrupting nutrient cycling processes essential for ecosystem functioning and vegetation establishment. Despite such constraints, arid soils harbour highly specialized microbial communities that exhibit diverse physiological and genomic adaptations enabling survival under extreme conditions. The current review discusses the challenges in arid environments, the understanding of microbial communities and their adaptive strategies in arid soils, and how these traits contribute to soil fertility restoration across diverse dryland ecosystems. It further evaluates key microbe-driven restoration mechanisms, including reactivation of biogeochemical cycles, the role of native microorganisms as ecological engineers, and plant-microbe-mediated interactions that enhance overall soil health. Finally, the review highlights key limitations of current restoration approaches, including limited long-term field validation, unpredictable microbial interactions, and insufficient functional understanding of introduced microbes. Based on the limitations, the review provides recommendations for future studies, emphasizing the integration of multi-omics approaches, trait-based microbial selection, and long-term ecosystem monitoring for developing effective and scalable microbial solutions for restoring degraded arid soils.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suruchi Rai, Barsha Datta, Sayasta Ahmed, Rakshak Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Hot Arid Environment of Saharan and Sub-Saharan Africa from Fragmented Innovations to Coherent Resilience: Why Arid-Zone Science Must Rethink Development Pathways in the Sahara and Sub-Saharan Africa
Hot arid and semi-arid regions occupy a substantial proportion of the African continent, with the Sahara and Sub-Saharan arid zones representing some of the most environmentally constrained yet socially significant landscapes on Earth. These regions are characterized by chronic water scarcity, high temperature variability, fragile soils, episodic vegetation cover, and complex socio-economic systems that are deeply dependent on natural resources. For decades, scientific and development efforts have framed these environments primarily as problem spaces-zones of limitation, risk, and deficit. Over the past two decades, however, research on hot arid environments has expanded rapidly, generating an unprecedented body of scientific knowledge. Advances in environmental monitoring, agronomic experimentation, ecological assessment, and socio-economic analysis have transformed our understanding of how arid systems function and respond to stress. Yet, despite this progress, development outcomes on the ground remain uneven, fragile, and often unsustainable. This opinion paper argues that the central challenge facing arid-zone development today is no longer technological scarcity or scientific ignorance. Instead, it is the persistent failure to integrate diverse forms of knowledge into coherent, system-level frameworks capable of supporting long-term resilience under extreme constraints. Using the Sahara and Sub-Saharan arid regions as a focal system, the paper calls for a shift in scientific reasoning-from fragmented innovation toward integrated resilience thinking.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed FACI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Cold Arid Microbiomes: An Insight into Biodiversity, Adaptation Strategies, and Potential Applications
Cold-arid deserts, among the most extreme ecosystems on Earth, are characterized by persistently low moisture availability and extremely low temperatures. Despite the extreme harsh conditions, this particular terrestrial ecosystem harbors, highly specialized microbial species of bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. The microbial community thriving in the extreme cold and driest habitat plays a pivotal role in the functioning of ecosystem by maintaining the biogeochemical cycles. The microbial diversity in cold-arid deserts have ability to withstand the freezing and desiccation stress through multiple adaptative strategies which includes production of anti-freeze proteins, enzymes and other biomolecules. The cold-arid microbiomes have wide range of biotechnological application in agriculture, environment and industrial sector, in which they can be used for the alleviation of plants stresses (nutrients, biotic and abiotic stress), bioremediation of various pollutants, and production of industrial products used in food processing, textile and pharmaceutical industries. The study of microbial diversity in freezing and desiccation stress is an important aspect which could be done through culture-dependent, culture-independent and omics techniques. This review highlights the, biodiversity of cold-arid microbiomes along with their adaptation strategies, and techniques and methods to study microbial diversity and emerging ecological and biotechnological applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tanvir Kaur, Mayank Bhushan, Divjot Kour https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Spatial Distribution and Climatic Sensitivity of Juniper Forests in the Cold-Arid Ladakh, North-western Himalaya, India
The cold arid Ladakh region in the north-western Himalaya represents one of the most extreme environments, where low precipitation, harsh temperatures, and a short growing season constrain vegetation growth. Juniperus polycarpos C. Koch is a main conifer species in this region, forming sparse woodlands and isolated stands between 3,200 and 4,400 m asl. Its longevity, slow growth, and sensitivity to environmental stress make it well-suited for dendroclimatic studies. In this study, we examined the distribution, ecological traits, and climatic growth response of J. polycarpos in Ladakh. Tree-ring samples were collected from climatically stressed sites in Kargil and Leh districts of Ladakh, and standard dendrochronological techniques were applied to develop robust ring-width chronologies. Tree-growth-climate analysis indicates that radial growth is primarily influenced by moisture availability, showing positive correlations with May precipitation and negative responses to May temperature. High mean sensitivity and strong inter-series correlation demonstrate the suitability of J. polycarpos for high-resolution climatic studies. These findings emphasize its value as a dendroclimatic archive in the data-scarce cold deserts of the Himalaya and provide insights into forest responses to ongoing climate change.
Copyright (c) 2026 Krishna G. Misra, Ravi S. Maurya, Sadhana Vishwakarma, Sandhya Misra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Hydrological Dimension of Ladakh under Changing Climate
Ladakh, in the Trans-Himalayan region of northern India, hosts a distinctive high-altitude cold-arid hydrological system in which seasonal snow, glaciers, perched aquifers and a limited network of perennial rivers jointly determine water availability for ecological and human systems. This narrative review-synthesis combines literature analysis (80+ studies) with original trend assessment of IMD gridded rainfall/temperature data (1975–2024) using Modified Mann-Kendall tests and Sen’s slope estimation to comprehend the changes in climate and hydrological dimensions. The synthesis reveals significant warming (+0.02°C yr-1, p<0.05) across Ladakh with spatially variable precipitation trends, earlier snowmelt timing (∼1.2 days yr −1), and glacier mass loss (−0.21 to −0.37 m w.e. yr-¹). Springs show declining perennial discharge while Indus tributaries maintain 62–72% cryospheric runoff contribution. Springs and shallow groundwater systems provide disproportionately important perennial supply where surface waters are strongly seasonal, and precipitation is sparse, and major rivers (notably the upper Indus and tributaries such as the Suru, Zanskar, Shyok, and Nubra) integrate cryospheric and groundwater signals at basin scales. Observational and modelling evidence indicate a system in warming drives earlier snowmelt and a transient increase in glacier runoff, followed by long-term declines in glacier melt contributions as ice volume diminishes; concomitant shifts in recharge reduce spring resilience and alter river seasonality. These dynamics increase exposure to both chronic water scarcity and abrupt hazards. To manage these interconnected risks, we recommend priorities: establishment of integrated high-altitude monitoring networks for snow, ice, springs, and river discharge; process-based modelling that couples downscaled climate projections with cryosphere–groundwater–river interactions; systematic mapping and protection of spring recharge zones; and risk-informed, multi-scale water planning that combines conjunctive use, decentralized storage, and community-based adaptation in the fragile Trans-Himalayan landscapes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Purushottam Kumar Garg, Shekhar Singh, Mohit Prajapati , Aamir Jan Farooq, Mohd Ilyas, Ajoy Karmakar, Sandipan Mukherjee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods in the Trans-Himalayas through Chamomile Cultivation: A Study on Medicinal Properties and Market Integration
This study evaluated the cultivation potential of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) as a high-value medicinal crop in Ladakh's cold desert ecosystem under low-cost polyhouse conditions. Conducted across 19 uniform 1×1 m plots in two polyhouses, the research assessed ecological establishment, agronomic performance, phytochemical quality, and economic viability. Chamomile demonstrated robust establishment with a mean plant density of 80.15 ± 12.4 and 72.8 ± 10.2 plants/plot in Polyhouse 1 and 2, respectively, achieving a mean height of 35.5 ± 4.2 cm and remarkable flower production of 299 ± 25 flowers/plant. Total yields averaged 55.49 gm dry Chamomile per m², with Polyhouse 1 outperforming Polyhouse 2 (744.0 gm vs. 310.3 gm dry weight) due to superior south-facing orientation. Phytochemical analyses revealed pharmaceutical-grade bioactive profiles, i.e., total phenolic content of 5.68 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid content of 3.92 ± 0.21 mg QE/g DW, and strong antioxidant activities (FRAP: 4.41 ± 0.28 mM AAE/100 g DW), positioning Ladakh Chamomile for therapeutic applications. Economic analysis demonstrated exceptional viability with one-time capital investment of Rs. 20,400 for 27.3 m² polyhouse yielding first-year net profit of Rs. 9,897.4 (48.5% ROI). Chamomile cultivation substantially empowered women's self-help groups through direct marketing platforms while maintaining ecological sustainability. This study establishes Chamomile as a transformative crop for livelihood diversification, offering a replicable model for sustainable high-altitude medicinal plant cultivation across the trans-Himalayan region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jigmet Chuskit Angmo, Sonam Chorol, Dalbeer Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Harnessing Microbial Potential for Sustainable Biomanufacturing and Bioeconomic Growth
Biomanufacturing relies on microorganisms as production platforms due to their inherent metabolic versatility, rapid growth, and suitability for scalable biological processes. Compared to plant and mammalian systems, microbial platforms are preferred because they enable efficient process control, flexible substrate utilization, and straightforward translation from laboratory to industrial scale. Central to the success of microbial biomanufacturing is strain engineering, which allows the redirection of metabolic fluxes, enhancement of product yields, and improvement of robustness under industrial operating conditions. Despite advances in molecular and systems level tools, strain improvement remains a major bottleneck, particularly when transitioning from proof-of-concept to large-scale production. Additional challenges include process scale-up, infrastructure availability, regulatory harmonization, and workforce capacity. In the Indian context, national initiatives such as Make in India and the BioE3 policy are supporting the development of domestic biomanufacturing capabilities, however, continued dependence on imported single-use components and high capital and operational costs limit broader adoption. Future progress is expected to be driven by systematic strain engineering, data-driven design–build-test cycles, and integrated biofoundry models, enabling the establishment of a resilient and competitive biomanufacturing ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amol Sawant, Shweta Borkar, Avinash Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0