Arid fruits to make farmers richer

Abstract

The plenty of land, rich diversity in horticultural flora, resistance in crops to biotic and abiotic stresses, conducive climate for quality production of fruits, vegetables and seed spices, opportunity to utilize solar and wind energy, sufficient work force, developing infrastructure and proactive policies are some of the strength of horticulture in arid region to double or even triple the farmers’ income. Horticulture in the region has edge over crop due to extreme of temperature, recurrent droughts, problem of wind erosion, frost during winter, saline underground water, sandy soils, limited growing period, biotic pressure etc which are the limiting factors leading to occasional crop failure. Arid horticulture not only supports the livelihood of inhabitant but can also play a vital role in nutritional and income security. The untapped natural resources and available technological knowledge can pave the path for enhancing farm income in the region.