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Cultivation of underutilized fruit crops in hot semi-arid regions: developments

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Research Review UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT CROPS OF HOT SEMI-ARID REGIONS [Current Horticulture 8 (1)

Current Horticulture 8(1): 12–23, January–June 2020

Cultivation of underutilized fruit crops in hot semi-arid regions:

developments and challenges — a review
A K Singh1, Sanjay Singh2, P L Saroj3, D S Mishra4, Vikas Yadav5 and Raj Kumar6
https://doi.org/10.5958/2455-7560.2020.00003.5

Central Horticulture Experiment Station (ICAR-CIAH), Godhra, Gujarat, India

Received: January 2018; Revised: March 2019

ABSTRACT

There are quite a large number of indigenous and underutilized fruit crops, which are used by the local
inhabitants. In fact, these fruits are the only source of protective food to meet the need of vitamins and minerals
of people living in villages. Owing to curative properties, these fruits are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines
since time immemorial. Apart from their nutritive and medicinal values, a few underutilized fruits have excellent
flavour and very attractive colour.Their cultivation is very restricted and they grow mainly as wild. Being tolerant
to biotic and abiotic stresses, these fruit crops are suitable for growing in the drought prone areas.Since India has
a rich heritage of indigenous fruit types, some of them have already been recommended for commercial planting.
It is apparent that there are more fruit crops that await future exploitation. Semi-arid fruits are the oldest fruit tree
crops with wide distribution, reflecting their adaptation to a wide range of edapho-climatic conditions of our
country. The understanding of various agro-techniques, propagation methods, canopy management, and biotic
and abiotic stresses management are equally important for improving their productivity and quality. These crops
are known as underutilized but they are locally abundant, and restricted to their geographical location owing to
dearth of scientific knowledge. These crops like bael, jamun, tamarind, chironji, khirni custard apple, etc. are
immensely constructive and climate smart by surviving in harsh agroclimatic conditions, and can be established
on degraded lands, which are presently being underutilized. Therefore, to review the research work done and
exploring lacunae in these potential crops critically has become the need of the hour. Hence, research review
paper deals all issues and challenges pertaining to these fruit crops.

KEY WORDS: Arid region, Extreme weather, Production potential, Semi-arid fruits, Underutilized fruit
crops

The Indian semi-arid regions are characterized by There is a plenty of scope for quantum jump in
extreme temperature, erratic rainfall, poor soil and fruit production in semi-arid areas. The regions have
water quality, which ultimately limit the productivity strength to produce high quality bael, lasoda, khirni,
of fruit crops. However, these conditions can favourably karonda, jamun, chironji, tamarind, wood apple,
be utilized to enhance the productivity through custard apple, fig, phalsa, mulberry, manila tamarind,
advanced fruit technological interventions, resulting timru, mahua and palmyra palm (Saroj et al. 2018;
in more income by utilizing solar and wind energy, Singh and Singh, 2012). These fruits are source of
human work force, and developing infrastructural income and nutrional security to inhabitants in arid
facilities which greatly favour in doubling the income and semi-arid regions (Singh and Singh 2015c, 2015d,
of farmers. 2016a, 2016b and 2016c)
The existing low productivity could be enhanced
by following improved new sustainable technologies
*Corresponding author : [email protected]
1Principal Scientist and inputs with or without irrigation. The amelioration
2Head of the extreme conditions is also considered vital for
3Director, ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner life support to the inhabitants. The recent awareness
4Sr. Scientist regarding the potential of these ecologically fragile
5Scientist, ICAR-CIAH-CHES, Godhra, lands for production of quality produce has not only
6SMS, KVK, Panchmahals
opened up avenues for providing sustainability in
12
January–June 2020] SINGH ET AL

livelihood and nutritional security but at the same In addition to socio-economic and ecological
time for bringing new areas also to increase fruit advantage, such fruits have numerous medicinal
production. The area expansion and yield potential of properties as its different plant parts have
semi-arid fruit crops has increased manifold because pharmacological activities. Therefore, these fruits are
of development of new varieties and advancement in rich in minerals, vitamins and phyto-chemicals which
agro-techniques and processing techniques for need to be harvested for commercialization and
development of value-added products. utilization of wasteland simultaneously. Biological
activities of semi-arid fruits are presented in Table 1.
Demographic status of hot semi-arid fruits
In India, semi-arid zone occupies nearly 37 per Morphology, reproductive biology and pollination
cent of the total geographical area (131 million ha) of At CHES, Godhra, germplasm of bael, jamun,
the total 329 million ha of the country's geographical mahua, tamarind, wood apple, custard apple, khirni,
area, and spread over in Maharashtra (19%), Karnataka karonda, chironji, phalsa and wild noni have been
(15%), Andhra Pradesh (15%), Rajasthan (13%), Gujarat studied for their morphology, flower characters, mode
(9.5%), Tamil Nadu (10%), Uttar Pradesh (7%) and of pollination and pollinating agents. Wide range of
Madhya Pradesh (6%). Semi-arid region is variability in leaf morphology, flower characters and
characterized by moisture stress and poor soil and phenology has been reported in different germplasm
water quality. The annual average rainfall in the semi- of hot semi-arid fruits under rainfed semi-arid condition
arid regions ranges between 290 and 750 mm, which is (Singh et al., 2013a). Singh et al. (2015a) reported
2-3 times lesser than potential evapotranspiration. intervrietal morphological variability in terms of leaf
Therefore, fruit crops selected for the region must be base margin and apex in bael varieties under rainfed
tolerant to abiotic stresses and should have semi-arid conditions. Different pollinating agents
reproduction phase synchronized to maximum (honey bees, beetles, housefly, butterfly, ants etc) were
moisture availability period. found responsible for pollination in different fruit crops.
The prevailing stressed conditions necessitate Among them, honey bees were found to be ultimate
special technologies relating to suitable cultivars, and legitimate pollinating agents in most of the fruit of
propagation techniques, cultural practices, plant- semi-arid region.
protection measures and utilization methods to realize Morphological, floral, phenological and pollination
maximum value. In semi-arid region, a number of behaviour in different germplasm of hot semi-arid fruits
farming communities have small land holdings and have been studied in detail, viz. bael (Singh et al. 2008,
poor resources, and cannot afford the burden of credit 2011a, 2011b, 2012a 2012b, 2014a, 2019a, 2019e, 2018a
with available resources, but they can generate income and 2018b), jamun (Singh and Singh 2012b, Singh et al.
by using scientific rainfed horticultural technologies. 2007a, 2010a, 2011a and 2019d), khirni (Singh and Singh
Due to erratic rainfall pattern in this region, appropriate 2005d, Singh et al. 2016b and 2019c), tamarind (Singh
technology is needed to increase productivity. With and Singh 2005b, Singh et al. 2006, 2008 and 2010),
increasing biotic and abiotic pressure, most of the semi- chironji (Singh et al. 2006 and 2010), phalsa (Singh et al.
arid regions are confronted with challenges of low 2019a), karonda (Singh et al. 2014), custard apple (Vikas
productivity due to uncertain supply of water. et al. 2017 and 2018), wood apple (Yadav et al. 2018),
mahua (Singh et al. 2005 and 2008) and wild noni
Medicinal significance (Singh and Singh 2018, Singh et al. 2013b, 2016b and
The nutritional values of most of the underutilized 2014b) under rainfed hot environment of western India.
fruits are numerous and they are recommended to be Morphovariations in the form of vivipary, metaxenia
included in use of daily diet. They are widely used in and cauliflory in bael germplasm has been reported by
formulations of various ayurvedic medicines owing to Singh et al. (2018b) under dryland conditions of western
rich in minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. These India.
fruits are rich in flavour and aroma. Beside their
importance for nutritional, therapeutical and economic Plant genetic resources
value, diversity of these fruits also has cultural and Conservation of genetic resources of underutilized
social value, contributing to the stability of ecosystem. fruits is important, because these species are at the
Cultivation and consumption of these crops may be verge of extinction and many are threatened and
helpful in overcoming the nutritional deficiencies endangered. The diversity of some of the underutilized
predominant in rural/tribal areas. They also improve fruits is well studied while for other underutilized
socio-economic conditions of poor masses of the fruits relatively little has been done yet. Gaps in
country. collection are found between the species and regions.

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 UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT CROPS OF HOT SEMI-ARID REGIONS [Current Horticulture 8 (1)

Table 1. Biological activities of underutilized hot semi-arid fruits

Crop Biological activities

Bael Anticancer, sedative, hypnotic, analgesic, anticonvulsive, hypothermic, antimalarial, antipyretic,

antidiuretic, antitumor, cardioactive, antihyperglycemic, antidislipidemic, antiinflammatory,
antiulcer, antiseptic, antiallergic, antidirrhoea, astringent, antibacterial, antihelminthic,
antispasmodic, artiemicide, cytotoxic anti-diabetic, antidiabetic
Jamun Antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, neuropsycho-pharmacological,
antimicrobial, antibacterial, radioprotectiv, gastroprotective, antifertility, anorexigenic, antidiarrheal,
ulcerogenic and anti-HIV.
Custard apple Antiviral, antioxidant activity, respiratory stimulant, antimalarial, antihelmintic, antiulcer
hepatoprotective, anti-arthritic, antiinflammatory and analgesic, anti-HIV, hypoglycemic
Mulberry Antidiabetes, hypertension, anaemia, and arthritis antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuro-protective,
anti-inflammatory.
Wood apple Antimutagenic, hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemic vomiting and hiccups, dysentry, indigestion
and induce bowel boils and amoebiosis, diuretic activity, anti-bacterial, antifungal.
Tamarind Cardioprotective, gastric, jaundice, fever,
Khirni Aphrodisiac, appetizer, arthritis, jaundice, blood purifier
Mahua anti-inflammatory, hematoprotective, antitumor, analgesic, rheumatism, ulcer, tonsillitis ulcers,
dyspepsia, opcity of the cornea, bronchitis, urethrorrhea, leprosy
Chironji Antidiarrhoea, intercostals, rheumatic pains and skin diseases
Phalsa Astringent, stomachic, demulcent, rheumatism, antiinflammation, administered in respiratory,
cardiac and blood disorders, antimicrobial, anti-platelet, antiemetic, anti-cancer properties anticancer,
antioxidant, radioprotective and antihyperglycemic properties
Karonda astringent, appetizer, antipyretic, antidiabetic scabies, intestinal worms, diarrhoea antipyretic,
appetizer, antiscorbutic, antihelmintic
Manila tamarind Abortifacient, anodyne, astringent, larvicidal, guamachil is a folk remedy for convulsions, dysentery,
dyspepsia, earache, leprosy, peptic ulcers, sores, toothache, and venereal disease eczema, sore
throat, acne and pimples
Wild noni Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin, analgesic, hypotensive, anti inflammatory
and immune enhancing effects.
Fig Metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoea, respiratory
haemorrhage, diuretic, diabetics, anthelmintic tuberculosis, anticancer, antidiarrheal
Timru Antimicrobial , antiplasmodial, antidiabetic, antimaleria
Gonda Antihelminthic, diuretic,,demulcent
Source : Maity et al. 2009, Singh et al. 2019, Sharma et al. 2007 Singh et al. 2001, Yadav et al. 2018, Shyam Sunder 2010, Qureshi
et al. 2010, Mishra 2018, Hoareau, 1999, Chauhan et al. 2012 and Maridass et al. 2008.

According to IPGRI (Padulosi, 1999) conservation (both CAZRI, Jodhpur. The genetic resource conservation of
in-situ and ex-situ) of genetic diversity of underutilized major semi-arid fruit crops is also maintained in field
fruits are very poor. This fact indicates that furthermore repository of SAUs and other ICAR Institutes.
that the vast bulk of genetic resources of underutilized Germplasm are being evaluated for development
fruits are in the hands of users and local communities. of varieties having desirable traits. Some of the varieties
In this context, intensive crop specific surveys in like bael (Goma Yashi), jamun (Goma Priyanka, chironji
target variability pockets and explorations were (Thar priya) and tamarind (Goma Pratek) have been
undertaken in arid and semi-arid regions of diversity planted on commercial scale at farmers field (Singh et
rich areas of state, viz. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar al., 2018c, Singh et al., 2010a). An enormous variability
Pradesh, Chhattishgarh, Haryana, Punjab, etc. and and with respect to yield, qualitative and quantitative
a large number of germplasm of semi-arid fruits were character in different fruit crops, viz. jamun (Singh and
collected over the years for systematic evaluation, Singh, 2005a, 2012b and 2019d), bael (Saroj et al., 2004,
characteri-zation and conservation of indigenous 2008, Singh et al., 2015, Sharma et al., 2013, Singh et al.,
germplasm at CHES, Godhra. In past few years, the 2014f, 2014g, 2016c, 2019b and 2019e), karonda ( Singh
genetic resource conservation of semi-arid horticultural et al., 2014 ), khirni (Singh et al., 2016b), tamarind (Saroj
crops is being maintained in field repository at CIAH, and Awasthi 2004, Sharma et al., 2015, Singh et al.,
Bikaner, and its regional centre CHES, Godhra, and 2006), wood apple (Singh et al., 2016f, Yadav et al.,

14
January–June 2020] SINGH ET AL

Table 2. Germplasm conservation of semi-arid fruits at CIAH, Bikaner ( Saroj et al., 2018)

Crop Scientific name No. Crop Scientific name No.

Bael Aegle marmelos 21 Manila tamarind Pythocelobium dulcae 03

Cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica 24 Jamun Syzygigium cuminii 2
Phalsa Grewia subenaequalis 05 lasoda Cordya myxa 15
Fig Ficus carica 02 Karonda Carissa carandus 05
Mulberry Morus spp. 15 Wood apple Feronia limonia 03

Table 3. Germplasm conservation of semi-arid fruits at CHES, Godhra

Crop Scientific name No. Crop Scientific name No.

Bael Aegle marmelos 196 Manila tamarind Pythocelubium dulcae 25

Capegooseberry Physalis peruviana 06 Jamun Syzygium cuminii 68
Phalsa Grewia subanaequalis 25 Palmyra palm Borassus flabellifer 2
Badhal Artocarpus lacucha 04 Karonda Carissa carandus 40
Mulberry Morus spp. 15 Fig Ficus carica 07
Mahua Bassia latifolia 30 Chironji Buchanania lanzan 30
Tamarind Tamarindus indica 25 Wood apple Feronia limonia 30
Custar apple Annona squamosa 40 Khirni Monilkara hexendra 30
Mulberry Morus spp. 03 Lasoda Cordia myxa 04

2018), custard apple (Yadav et al., 2017 and 2018 ), Propagation

mahua (Bhargava et al., 2017, Dhakar et al., 2015, Singh
and Singh 2005c), wild noni (Arya et al., 2014, Patel et The importance of underutilized fruits is increasing
al., 2014, Rathod et al., 2016, Singh and Singh 2015e, because people are realising the potential of these fruits.
Singh et al., 2013b), chironji (Singh et al., 2006 and Looking into the importance of these fruits, the demand
2016d), phalsa (Singh et al., 2019a and 2019f) and manila of their genuine planting material is increasing day-
tamarind (Awasthi and Saroj 2006) have been reported. by-day. To meet the demand of planting material,
At present, ICAR-CIAH (Table 2) and its regional vegetative propagation techniques have been
Centre CHES, Godhra are maintaining a large number standardized for commercial multiplication. The
of diverse germplasm of underutilized semi-arid fruits variability has been observed in plants raised through
in field repository (Table 3). seeds. Except few plant species, vegetative methods of
propagation are used for their multiplication. Propa-
Varietal wealth gation through vegetative methods, viz. stem cutting,
The environmental conditions of hot semi-arid layering, stooling and grafting have been described for
regions are very harsh hence; selection of plant species many semi-arid fruits. Patel et al. (2016) reported that
and their varieties for such region for growth and the seed priming treatment improves the germination
production is important. The crop must have one or and vigour of seedling in custard apple. Under dryland
another characters like deep root system, summer condition, in-situ establishment of jamun orchard has
dormancy, high 'bound water' in tissues, reduced leaf been found successful with better survival (Singh et al.,
area, sunken stomata, thick cuticle, wax coating of 2009). Vikas et al. (2017) reported that GA3 and cow
pubescence, presence of latex, and ability to adopt urine enhance germination and growth of custard apple
shallow, rocky, gravelly and undulated wasteland. seedlings under rainfed semi-arid conditions.
Keeping these facts in view, the importance of Treatment of seeds with growth regulators (GA3)
underutilized fruits in changing climatic scenario, enhanced per cent seed germination and growth of
research work on collection, characterization, seedlings in Pithecelobium dulce under hot arid
evaluation and conservation of underutilized fruits conditions (Singh et al., 2011). In order to optimize the
have been initiated at CIAH, Bikaner, and its regional production of semi-arid fruit crops, propagation
centre CHES, Godhra, and high-yielding quality techniques of jamun, lasoda, khirni, wood apple, manila
varieties were developed. Varietal wealth developed tamarind, custard apple, mahua, bael, chironji, etc. have
is given in Table 4. been standardized for large scale multiplication of
plants (Table 5). For better success and survival of

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 UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT CROPS OF HOT SEMI-ARID REGIONS [Current Horticulture 8 (1)

Table 4. Different promising varieties of hot semi-arid fruits

Crop Varieties References

Bael Goma Yashi, Thar Divya, Thar Neelkanth, NB-7, NB-9, NB-5, Singh et al., 2011a,
CISHB-1, CISHB-2, Pant Aparna, Pant Shivani, Pant Sujata 2012c, 2015a, 2016e,
and Pant Urvashi 2019a, Pandey et al., 2014
Jamun Goma Priyank, Thar Kranti, Konkan Bahadoli, Jamwant, Paras, Singh and Singh 2012a,
Rajamun, Rajendra Jamun-1, Jamwant Singh et al., 2010a, 2011, 2016a,
2018b, Mishra et al., 2014,
Custard apple Washington PI 98797, Washington PI 107005,British Guinea, Hiwale 2015, Vikas 2018,
Barbados seedling, Island Gem, Bullocks Heart, Pink Mammoth, Singh et al., 2019f
Balanagar, Mammoth, Red Sitaphal, Yellow Sitaphal,
Phule Janki and Sindhan
Mulberry Thar Lohit, Thar Harit, Victoria-1, China White, Saharanpur Saroj et al., 2018,
Local-1, Saharanpur Local-2, S-13, S-34, S-146, S-7999, S-1635, Singh et al., 2019f
Chak Majra
Karonda Pant Manohar, Pant Sudarshn, Pant Suverna, Konkan Bold, Saroj et al., 2018,
Thar Kamal Singh et al., 2014 and 2019f
Tamarind Goma Prateek, Prathisthan, PKM-1, T 263, Urigam, Ajanta, Saroj et al., 2018
Yogeshwari, DTS 1 and DTS 2, Anant Rudhira
Lasoda Thar Gold, Paras Gonda, Puskar Local, Maru Samridhi Saroj et al., 2018,
Singh et al., 2019f
Khirni Thar Rituraj Saroj et al., 2018,
Singh et al.,2015a, 2019c
and Singh et al., 2017
Phalsa Thar Pragati Saroj et al., 2018,
Singh et al., 2018a,
Chironj Thar Priya Saroj et al., 2018,
Singh et al., 2010b,
Mahua Thar Madhu, NM-2, NM- 4, NM-7, NM- 9 Saroj et al., 2018,
Singh et al. 2016c,
Manila tamarind PKM (MT) 1 Hiwale 2015, Singh et al., 2019f
Fig Poona Fig, Dianna, Dinkar, Conadria, Excel, Chalisgaon Hiwale 2015, Singh et al., 2019f
Wood apple Thar Gaurav Yadav et al., 2018,
Singh et al., 2019f

semi-arid fruits, in-situ budding and grafting has been challenges for rainfed horticulture in semi-arid regions
found better with vigorous growth of grafted plants are less and erratic rainfall, characterized by few rainfall
under arid and semi-arid conditions (Singh et al., 2014e). events, high-intensity storms, and high frequency of
No work on the standardization of rootstocks has been dry spells and droughts. It is therefore, critical to
done on such crops till now, which needs attention to understand how hydro climatic conditions and water
assess vegetative compatibility and vigour, fruiting, management affecting yields in rainfed horticulture.
fruit quality and usefulness to wastelands. Generally, However, construction of earthen and concrete check
seeds of deshi seedling plants are used as rootstocks dam according to catchment area, development of
for multiplication. micro catchment module, full moon and half moon
terracing and also with the help of horti-silvi-pastoral
Agro-techniques system, water loss could be minimized under dryland
Investments are needed in institutional and human conditions (Singh et al., 2016d).
capacities to plan and manage water for rainfed Under arid and semi-arid conditions, intercropping
horticulture at the catchment scale, where local run off during initial years of orchard of bael, chironji, wood
water resources can be diverted, stored, and managed. apple and jamun had no adverse effects on plant growth
Under dryland conditions, tapping the potential lies up to seven years. However, intercropping in the
in the availability of an adequate but erratic water orchard spaced at 10m × 10m can be done up to 10
resource provided by the rain. The major water-related years. Intercropping of guar, cucurbits, okra and

16
January–June 2020] SINGH ET AL

Table 5. Commercial methods of propagation of hot semi-arid underutilized fruits

Fruit crops Time period Commercial propagation methods References

Bael May-June Soft wood grafting and patch budding Singh et al., 2011b,2014b, 2014e, 2018a,
2019a, 2019c, Singh, 2018,
Chironji July-August Soft wood grafting Singh, 2018, Singh and Singh, 2014a,
2014d, Singh et al., 2007b, 2010b
Jamun April -May Soft wood grafting, patch budding Singh 2018, Singh and Singh, 2006,
2014b, Singh et al., 2007c, 2017a,2011,
2018b,
Lasora April-May Patch budding, cleft grafting Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2003 and
2019f
Tamarind July-August Soft wood grafting and patch budding Awasthi et al., 2005, Singh and Singh,
2007
Mahua March-April Soft wood grafting Singh 2018, Singh and Singh, 2014c,
2015f
Custard apple April- May Soft wood grafting Singh, 2018, Singh and Singh, 2014
Wood apple April- June Soft wood grafting and patch budding Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2019f
Karonda June -July Seeds and cutting Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2018c
Khirni April -May Softwood grafting Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2019c
Phalsa December-January Seed and hard wood cutting Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2019f
Manila tamarind May-June Patch budding Singh, 2018, Awasthi and Saroj, 2006
Palmyra Palm July -August Seeds and Sucker Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2019f
Mulberry February-March Cuttings Singh, 2018, Singh et al., 2019f
Wild noni July- August Layering Singh and Singh, 2018, Singh et al.,
2014
Fig July- February Cutting, patch budding Singh, 2018, Hiwale 2015, Singh et al.,
2019f
Palmyra palm July-September Seeds Hiwale, 2015, Singh et al., 2019f

leguminous vegetable crop increased the income 2-3 Continuous use of organic mulches are found
times. Cultivation of guar in orchards gave additional helpful in improving the soil physico-chemical
advantage of 800 kg seed yield than cowpea. Cover properties, microbial flora, earthworm population and
cropping with lobia, moth bean was found to increase soil aeration and moisture-holding capacity which
water holding capacity of light soils as a result of ultimately resulted into better growth and yield of
increased organic carbon content in these regions. plant. Under semi-arid conditions, application of
Intercropping is economically viable for increasing organic mulch (paddy straw, grasses, maize straw etc.)
productivity per unit area and also minimized the risk in tree basin is beneficial for successful cultivation of
of crop failure during drought years (Singh et al., 2011a fruit crops like bael, jamun, custard apple, wood apple,
2011b, 2019a). mahua and chironji. It reduces the loss of moisture
Under dryland conditions, various fruit crop from the soil, enhances the rate of rainwater absorption
models can be adopted to minimize the risk and in the soil, and controls the growth of weed.
enhance the productivity. Bael, aonla and jamun based Mulching can be done with any locally available
cropping model are found to be beneficial in term of organic material. Organic mulches reduce the weed
enhanced yield and income. Bael + aonla + karonda + population and conserve the moisture in the soil.
drumstick, bael+ chironji+ fig+ custad apple, Mulches should be applied in the tree basin (20 cm
bael+khirni+phalsa +wood apple cropping models are thick) after rainy season, and non decomposed organic
useful to enhance the productivity of dryland tracts of mulches should be incorporated and mixed with soil
the country (Singh et al., 2019a).Layout and plantation of tree basin in the forthcoming monsoon (Singh et al.,
of these crops should be done at closer spacing with 2011b). Organic mulches not only improve the soil
proper management of canopy so that productivity properties and its moisture holding capacity, also
and income can be doubled and farmer can generate reduce soil temperature (2-8°C) during summer, and
income throughout the year for better livelihood. increase the yield up to 20-25 per cent under dryland

17
 UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT CROPS OF HOT SEMI-ARID REGIONS [Current Horticulture 8 (1)

conditions of semi-arid ecosystem (Singh et al., 2019a). organic wastes can improve the availability of
India is the homeland of many arid and semi-arid microelements. Enriching soil with organic matter is
drought hardy species of fruit crops like bael, aonla, found beneficial for sustainable production of fruits in
acid lime, charoli, mahua, etc. However, the produc- fragile agro-climatic conditions (Ram and Kumar, 2019)
tivity of all these fruits in India is very low (4-5 t/ha) Most of the minor horticultural crops of semi-arid
compared with other major fruit crops grown in India. regions of India are often available only in the local
Many reasons may be attributed to the low markets and are practically unknown in other parts of
productivity, and, to solve this problem, there is a the world. Today, consumers are becoming increasingly
need to develop high-yielding varieties/hybrids that conscious of the health and nutritional benefits of their
are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses having dwarf food basket. The minor horticultural crops are rich in
stature and responds to the pruning. By adopting the mineral, vitamins and therapeutic values, and they
scientific practices of canopy architecture management can serve the purpose as they are growing naturally,
and high density planting, yield can be doubled in therefore, they are free from the toxic chemicals. To
lesser time and from lesser area. achieve this, these fruits need to be popularized in
High-density orcharding results in early bearing, national and international markets. Practically to larger
helping to minimize weed problems. High-density extent, it can be achieved through developing suitable
planting at a spacing of 5m × 5m in bael, jamun, chironji processing and marketing strategies for minor
and mahua has been found useful to double the yield horticultural fruit crops (Meel et al., 2018). In this regard
and reduced the problem of harvesting over traditional attempts have been made as karonda, bael and aonla
planting system (Singh et al., 2018d; Singh et al., 2019a). based organic products are becoming more popular in
However, crops like phalsa, and karonda can be the domestic markets. Growing of crops through
accommodated at lesser spacing with help of proper organics not only hikes the price of produce but also
training and pruning. By adopting double hedgerow improve soil health.
system of planting, the productivity and income per
unit area can be enhanced to 2-2.5 times over Post-harvest management
conventional square system of planting under the Grading and packaging are the important practices
rainfed condition. Bael, jamun, chironji and khirni are to fetch better price in the market. The packages protect
recommended for planting at 5m × 5m distance under the produce from damage loss as it maintains quality
semi-arid conditions to double the productivity (Singh and retains freshness. Corrugated fibre board box
et al., 2019a). Proper canopy architecture of jamun and (CFB), wood box with suitable cushioning materials
bael has been standardized (Singh et al., 2017b and are most suitable and economically-viable packing
Singh et al., 2019a). Singh and Singh (2003) reported container for transportation of semi-arid horticultural
that time and level of pruning and application of urea produce. Cushioning material should be physio-
were found helpful in improving the growth, yield logically inactive. Moulded pulp tray, honeycomb, cell
and quality of phalsa. pack are better than the traditional material like straw
The soils of semi-arid regions in India are poor in and grasses. A large quantity of fruits and vegetables
organic carbon, nutrients and water holding capacity. produce goes waste due to unavailability of adequate
Soil depths in these regions are less and nutrient storage facility in semi-arid dryland areas. Proper
management becomes difficult due the presence of storage facility like cool storage, CA and ZECC storage
calcium carbonate layer at lower depth. Improved can reduce the post harvest loss to greater extent and
fertilizer management is required to grow crops can improve the farm income (Singh et al., 2007c 2010a,
successfully on such soils. To avoid ammonia volatiliza- 2018a, 2019a Singh and Singh, 2012).
tion, fertilizers containing ammonium-N or urea should The fruits grown in semi-arid regions have been
be moved into the root zone with rainfall or irrigation, prepared into various processed products by the people
or be incorporated into the soil. Band placement of P utilizing their acquired traditional knowledge like sun
minimizes soil contact thus reducing or delaying the drying, pickling etc. However, with the application of
formation of insoluble Ca and Mg phosphates. Crops modern techniques, the quality of products could be
planted on calcareous soils may require above normal improved considerably. The pre-treatment of many
levels of K and Mg fertilizer for satisfactory nutrition. fruits with hormone and harmless chemicals results in
Using tolerant rootstocks and varieties reduces the better quality end products (Meghwal, 2016). Solar
severity of nutrient related disorders. Deficiency of drying and electric tray dehydration of fruits and
micronutrients can be corrected through foliar vegetable help to reduce dust load on the product and
application of chelates. Adequate K supply and organic retain natural colour. Techniques for preparation of
matter application in the form of cakes, FYM and different products from underutilized fruits have been

18
 January–June 2020] SINGH ET AL

standardized (Mishra, 2018). value addition technologies which are simple and
Mal nutrition in resource poor areas of semi-arid adaptable at the farm level.
region is a major problem particularly in women and This will not only result in developing small-scale
children. Fruits like tamarind, custard apple, bael, industry but it will also provide employment to the
khirni, karonda, phalsa, mulberry, wild noni, wood rural masses throughout the year resulting in increased
apple etc. are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and income of both farmers and workers. Efforts made at
dietary fibres. Bael fruits contain higher in riboflavin the CIAH Bikaner and region research Centre CHES,
than many fruits. Fruits like wood apple and custard Godhra were successful and many products, viz. dried
apple are rich in carbohydrates and minerals which and dehydrated fruits, RTS, squash, fruit bars, candies,
are vital for the maintenance of body and physiological fruit concentrates, powders, wines, and condensed fruit
function. These fruits are highly perishable in nature, juices through solar drying, were prepared and demon-
the marketing of which is a major problem, e.g. custard strated to stakeholders for further commercialization.
apple gets spoiled within 2-3 days of harvesting, if not The tamarind pulp is pressed and preserved in large
consumed (Singh et al., 2007c 2018a, 2019a). Also with masses and in dry conditions the pulp remains good
the glut in the market, the prices of these fruits drop for about 1 year. There is tremendous scope for
down drastically making it uneconomical for the preparing beverages from ripened fruit of chironji.
farmers to sustain production; the result is that the Kernels are being used for the preparation of different
farmers uproot the trees owing to low price in the kinds of sweets. The products like squash, RTS, and
market. To avoid the situation, there is a need to extend nectar may be prepared from the pulp of the fruits.
shelf-life of these fruits and to develop post-harvest Value added products of different hot semi-arid fruits
are given in Table 6.
Table 6. Semi-arid fruits and their value-added products CONCLUSION
Crop Value-added products Keeping in view the agroclimatic conditions of
Bael Preserve, RTS, nectar, ice cream, slab,
semi-arid region, it is need of hour to create awareness
squash, cider, canned bael slices, among farmers regarding the various technologies like
pickles and powder high-yielding varieties, water harvesting practices, use
Chironji Dried kernels, fruit bar of organics, IPM, IDM, bio-pesticides, biofertilizers,
Karonda Pickle, candy, jelly, jam, preserve, preparation of value-added products and their
wine, Chutney marketing can enhance the farm income under
Wood apple Squash, powder, pickle, chutney, jelly, prevailing conditions of semi-arid region.
fruit bar Unproductive land can be made productive by selecting
Khirni Dehydrated fruits, fruit bar, RTS, jam the crops having ability to grow under aberrant
Jamun Juice, RTS, squash, syrup, carbonated agroclimatic conditions by proper planning and
drink and wine amalgamation of suitable technologies holistically. As
Phalsa Juice, squash, syrup most of the semi-arid fruits cannot be directly used for
Lasoda Pickle, culinary the table purpose, and thus fetches low prices in the
Custard apple Jam, beverages, ice cream market. Therefore, through processing and value-
Tamarind Tokku (chutney), panipuri masala, addition and their efficient marketing, farmer's
juice concentrate, pulp powder, jam, economic status can be effectively improved with better
syrup, candy toffee, tamarind karnel health and nutritional security. Therefore, focusing
powder attention on such fruit crops is an effective way to help
Timru Bidi, dried fruit a diverse and healthy diet and to combat malnutrition,
Pilu Squash, dried peelu, wines so called 'hidden hunger' and other dietary deficiency
Kair Pickle, dried fruits among the poor rural people and more vulnerable
Mulberry Juice, squash and syrup social groups specially tribes of country.
Mahua Biscuits, cakes dried powder, seed oil
and wine Researchable issues
Manila tamarind Biscuits, squash and syrup
• Hot semi-arid underutilized fruits are remained
Aloe Candy, jelly, pickle, cold cream, crack
neglected. Genetic resources of these crops are still
cream, moisturizer, gel available on farmers' field or in forests which needs
Fig Fig paste, concentrate, powder, to be conserved.
nuggets, jam • Research work on underutilized fruit crops should
be expanded in order to maximize production and
Source: Singh et al., 2016a, 2018a, 2019a, 2019f and Mishra, 2018 overcome disease and pest problems.

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