January - June 2022 Volume 24(1-2) In this issue :
DESERT
• From the desk of Chairman
• Know Your Desert
• Industrial Applications of Guar Gum in Hot Arid
ENVIRONMENT
Region.
• Importance of Mucilaginous plants of Hot Arid Region.
NEWSLETTER
• Protective Role of Secondary Metabolites in Arid
Vegetation.
• Know Your Desert Plant- Paneer-bandh (Withania
coagulens): An Important Medicinal Plant of Arid Region
ENVIS Centre on Combating Desertification
• ENVIS Activities
ICAR-CAZRI • Information Around
DOOR
WAY
TO
PROGRESS
IN
DESERT
Hosted by Supported by Published by
ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change ENVIS CENTRE
Jodhpur Government of India on Combating Desertification
DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
From the desk of chairman
Dear Readers,
Plant secondary metabolites provide protective and adaptive functions to
the plants in extreme climatic conditions. They play important role in the
survival of the plants in the arid region. Plant species such as Aerva
javanica, Capparis decidua, Calligonum polygonoides, Haloxylon
salicornicum, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Withania coagulens etc. have
diverse groups of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, phenols,
alkaloids, tannins and saponins which impart tolerance to plants to the
different abiotic pressures. The secondary metabolites also act as
antioxidants and help plants combat oxidative stresses. Some of the plant species derived
biochemicals also possess industrial applications. Guar or clusterbean (Cyamopsis
tetragonoloba) a native kharif pulse crop of the arid region of India produces galactomannan
gum in its seed which finds multifarious industrial applications and fetches more than Rs 3000
crores annually through exports. Plant species like Cordia myxa, Opuntia ficus indica, Aloe
vera etc. contain mucilaginous polysaccharides having functional properties such as storage of
water, protection of the embryo, seed dispersal and also possess medicinal value. These
mucilages should be explored for their application in food and pharmaceuticals as binding
agents, emulsifiers, gelling agents and packaging materials.
I am happy that this issue has briefly discussed these aspects.
O.P. Yadav
Director, ICAR-CAZRI
Address for Correspondence ENVIS TEAM
Dr. P.C. Moharana Dr. O.P. Yadav
ENVIS Coordinator Director ICAR-CAZRI & Chairman
ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute Dr. P.C. Moharana
Jodhpur 342003, INDIA ENVIS Coordinator
Phone Dr. J.P. Singh
+91 291 2786931 Member
Dr. Vipin Choudhary
Visit us at Member
[Link] Dr. Sangeeta Goyal
Programme Officer
Email at
Dr. Mayur Bhati
cazri-env@[Link]
IT Officer / GIS Expert
Editors: Dr. O.P. Yadav, Dr. P.C. Moharana Mr. Karmveer Singh Bhati
Dr. J.P. Singh and Dr. Vipin Choudhary Data Entry Operator
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Know Your Desert
Industrial Applications of Guar Gum in Hot Arid Region
Guar also commonly known as clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is a drought resilient
legume native to the desert region, and its name is derived from a Sanskrit term for cow fodder.
This crop has its roots in the western and northwestern regions of India and Pakistan and grown
for millennia as a vegetable, green manure, green fodder, seeds, and for the extraction of guar
gum. But during the past few decades, it has started to gain popularity for its industrial uses.
India, particularly, the state of Rajasthan accounts for 80% of global guar production, producing
nearly 1 to 1.25 million tons annually. Guar gum is mostly produced in India and Pakistan,
although it is also produced by other nations, including the United State of America, China,
Australia, and few countries of African continent.
Guar seed consists of 14–17% seed coat and 43–47% germ, while the
galactomannanrich endosperm content is in the range of 35–42%. Majority of guar seed is
exported after processing into guar gum powder or endosperm splits. The quantum of guar gum
consumption is largely dependent on the oil drilling sector in the overseas market. Last year, India
exported guar gum of worth Rs. 3334 crores.
More than 80-85% of guar gum is galactomannose; the remaining parts are made
up of protein, pectin, pentosan, phytin, ash, and dilute acid insoluble residues. A single α-D-
galactopyranosyl unit is connected by (1-6) linkages to the chains of (1-4)-linked β-
mannopyranosyl units. On an average, galactose moiety is attached to every second mannose
moiety in the main chain of galactomannan molecule. Presence of galactose prevents the
formation of other molecular structures due to the steric hindrance; thus provide added solubility
and stability to guar gum.
Chemical structure of Galactomannanc
Industrial Applications
The galactomannan molecule is suitable for a wide range of chemical reactions due to its long
chain molecular structure and abundance of hydroxyl groups. It is used in many industries for a
wide range of applications due to its unique qualities, which include solubility in cold and hot
water as well as thickening, emulsifying, gelling, stabilising, binding and wide pH stability. Guar
gum has been the subject of much study about the possibility of altering its physical and chemical
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
properties through grafting, blending, and composition with synthetic and natural polymers. As
a result, it is extensively employed as a raw material in a variety of sectors. In the past few
decades, an attempt has been made to detail the experiments and advancements in the use of
guar gum and its derivatives for a variety of uses. Its affordability and naturalness, when
compared to other polymers, make it the hydrocolloid of choice for both industries and
consumers
Guar and guar gum based industries
Food and Beverage Industry: Since early 1950s, guar gum has been used in making processed
foods, in which it acts as a thickener, binder, anti-freeze, etc. and thus acts as an indispensable
ingredient for food industry. It prevents the formation of ice crystals, to give creamy texture to
the ice creams. In baking industry, guar gum is added to contribute to both dough yield and the
extension of shelf life with added texture and crumb structure. It efficiently thickens batter and
works as a great binding agent for items used in gluten-free baked recipes. Its utility can be
envisaged by range of food preparations that make use of it like, soups, baked goods, gravies,
yoghurt, milk and cheese products, processed cheese, etc. It has the moisture retention capacity
for making pasta and the flow properties for making sauces and dressings. Therefore, guar gum
is one of the most popular hydrocolloids added to sauces, noodles and ketchups. Beverage
industry utilizes gum powder as a thickener to increase viscosity of beverages. It provides
stability at low pH and solubility in cold water which makes it an ideal option for the beverage
industry.
Dairy Industry: Guar gum can be utilized as a prebiotic source that stimulates the growth of
potentially probiotic bacteria or native gut microflora. Partially hydrolysable guar gum (PHGG) is
a water soluble dietary fiber that is non-digestible in the upper gastro-intestinal tract. PHGG
benefits the health of hosts by altering the colonic microbiota and by stimulating short chain
fatty acids production. The husk of guar gum splits and the germ are both high in protein; hence
guar meal is frequently fed to livestock like cattle, sheep and poultry an alternative to costlier
protein supplements.
Oil and Mining Industry: Guar gum is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for mining
industry with added advantages of biodegradability, high resistance to mechanical and thermal
degradation. It acts as a green corrosion inhibiter and enhances oil recovery. It also serves as a
flotation agent and a flocculants, which promote extraction of many minerals from their ores
and water purification.
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Textile Industry and Printing: When used for textile printing, gum powder absorbs water to
form a sticky paste, which makes the direct painting process on wool, nylon, and silk easier.
Guar thickeners are dye dispersants that give colour during the printing on polyester and related
fabrics, giving liveliness to the print. Due to its binding, thickening, gelling and blending
properties, guar gum powder has vast demand in paper industry as well.
India has got comparative advantage in production and export of guar and guar
products. Hence, there is a need to encourage cultivation of guar (clusterbean) to reap its
industrial value. The demand for guar gum is increasing due to its physio-chemical properties
that serve so diverse industries. It is frequently used in the food industry as a thickener, binder,
viscosifier, and stabilizer since it is soluble in cold water and forms solutions with high viscosities
even at low concentrations. Guar dietary fibre exhibits good qualities as a soluble partially
hydrolyzed colloid. It can reduce cholesterol and postprandial blood glucose levels. Guar gum
has recently been used to create biodegradable packaging films with mechanical and barrier
qualities that are comparable to those of commercial synthetic polymers. Guar gum's
applicability and utility may further be increased with chemical modifications. Association and
interaction among guar industry partners, research institutes and farmer groups will generate a
better information flow and in turn will strengthen its market value both nationally as well as
internationally.
Aman Verma, Saurabh Swami, Devendra Singh.
ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
Importance of Mucilaginous plants of Hot Arid Region
Mucilages, also known as slime, are polysaccharides or proteoglycans secreted by the plant
species during development. They are different from gums which are similar exudates but are
released after wounding and pathogenic cell wall degradation. Mucilages are found in plant
families such as Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae,
Solanaceae, Zygophyllaceae etc. Common mucilaginous plant species that are found in hot arid
region include Cordia myxa (Gonda), Opuntia ficus indica (Hatha Thor/Cactus pear), Plantago
ovata (Isabgol/ Psyllium), Aloe vera (Guarpatha) etc. Mucilages are synthesized in the Golgi
apparatus of the cells and secreted to the apoplastic space. The biological role of mucilages in
plants depends on the species and their habitat. Mucilages have role in protection of the
embryo as well as to facilitate dispersal and eventual germination of seed, membrane
thickening, and to attract and capture prey in carnivorous plants like Drosera species. In the dry
regions, mucilages also play role of storage of water in succulent plants as in case of several
species of cactus.
Significances of live fence
Plant mucilages can be classified as seed coat mucilage, fruit mucilage and leaf/stem mucilage
based on the plant part. The hydrophilic mucilage deposition occurs in epidermal cells of seed
coat or pericarp of the fruits. Seed coat mucilage is released when seeds are hydrated and a gel-
like capsule is formed around the seed. Mucilages are also known to be secreted from the root
cap, where they act as lubricating agents for roots and promote ionic and microbial interactions
in the soil. They are also found in the transmitting tract where they act as a medium for the
growth of pollen tube.
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Plant mucilages
Leaf/stem
Seed coat mucilage Fruit mucilage
mucilage
Psyllium, Basil,
Gonda, Okra Cactus pear, Aloe
Chia, Flax seed
Structure and properties of mucilage
Mucilages are composed primarily of pectins and hemicelluloses and exhibit high swelling upon
hydration. They are extremely hydrophilic due to the acidic nature of the polysaccharide and
may also contain cellulose micro fibrils or cellulosic fibres. Pectin rhamnogalacturonan I is
generally present in the basil (Ocimum species), chia (Salvia hispanica) and flax (Linum
usitatissimum) mucilages. It has an alternating backbone of 1→2- linked rhamnose and 1→4-
linked galacturonic acid, with varying degrees of 1→5-linked arabinose, 1→3- linked galactose
and/or arabinogalactan side-chains linked to the rhamnose residues. Among hemicelluloses,
arabinoxylan is common having a 1→4-linked xylan backbone with arabinose substitutions.
Cordia myxa (Gonda, Lasora): C. myxa belongs to the family Boraginaceae and commonly called
glue berry, snotty gobbles or scented man jack. It is one of the potential underutilized fruit
plants of arid and semi-arid regions due to its drought tolerance ability. It finds uses in health,
nutrition and curing certain human ailments in traditional systems of medicine. Unripe fresh
fruits are used for vegetable and pickle at a time when availability of conventional vegetables is
scarce. The ripened fruit pulp is very sweet (TSS-25-28°Brix) and transparent mucilage surrounds
the stone. Mucilage makes the ripened fruit very sticky and unsuitable for consumption.
Cordia myxa (Gonda) plant and its fruits
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Mucilage polysaccharide of C. myxa is composed of galactose, arabinose and glucuronic acid
with traces of rhamnose. C. myxa mucilage extraction is done by heating the fruit at 90°C for 0.5
h with water along with sodium metabisulte. The mucilage can also be precipitated using
ethanol and dilute acid. Studies on various functional properties of C. myxa mucilage have been
conducted. Among food applications, the efficacy of C. myxa mucilage as edible coating in
comparison with carboxy methyl cellulose to retard the oxidation of pine nuts (chilgoza) has
been reported.
Opuntia ficus indica (Cactus pear): Cactus pear is a
drought resistant plant growing in the dry regions
throughout the globe. It is cultivated commercially in
countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa,
Italy, France and the US. Its cladodes are succulent in
nature and palatable as livestock feed. It can also be
used as fruit and vegetable for human consumption.
Processed products such as snacks, juices or
minimally-processed foods are obtained from the
fruit. Mucilage, colouring agents and other bioactive
extracts are obtained as by-products of processing.
The juice obtained from the pads is viscous due to
the presence of mucilage, the viscosity of which
depends on the amount of water received by plant.
Plants grown in hot arid regions yield a more viscous
juice than those of semi-arid region. This is an
important consideration for using the plant as a
source of mucilage. Among the traditional uses,
utilization of mucilage for purifying the drinking water
and use of cladode pieces for improving the adhesion
properties of the lime paints are known in some
countries. Opuntia ficus indica (Cactus pear)
Potential application of mucilages
Mucilages have potential applications in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. In
pharmaceuticals, they can be used as binding agent in tablets, gelling agent, demulcent, on
mucosa membrane, emulsification and suspending agent. Polysaccharide hydrocolloids market
remains a highly active industry experiencing a steadily increasing demand for novel and
sustainably produced ingredients. In this context, plant mucilages can be utilized as potential
additives in food applications. Several food packaging applications using plant mucilages as eco-
green, biodegradable and sustainable ingredients have emerged. Another area of food
application of plant mucilage is stabilization of ice-creams. Mucilages have also been used for
reduction of fat in bakery products as fat-replacers. Therefore, hot arid mucilaginous plants can
be exploited for their high value applications in food and pharmaceuticals.
Saurabh Swami, Mahesh Kumar, Om Prakash
ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Protective Role of Secondary Metabolites in Arid Vegetation
The tolerance capacity of plants depends on various genetic, physiological and biochemical
parameters which are involved in modulating the defence mechanism under abiotic stress.
Abiotic stress trigger some mechanisms of defence inside the plant system such as change in
the gene expression profile of stress associated proteins, which was not expressed under
‘normal’ condition. Generally, stress factors represent environmental constraints which induce
disturbances in cellular homeostasis including imbalances in plant water regime (reduced water
uptake by roots; dehydration stress) as well as imbalances in cellular metabolic pathways,
especially aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, leading to enhanced formation of reactive
oxygen species (oxidative stress).
Further, antioxidative defence system comprises various enzymatic and non-
enzymatic molecules, produced to counter the adverse effect of environmental stresses. A
sizable number of these molecules belong to the category of secondary metabolites. Plant
secondary metabolites are unique sources of drugs, additives, flavours and other important
industrial biochemical compounds which are biosynthesized from primary metabolites. Beside
changes in primary metabolites such as saccharides, nucleic acids, amino acids and related
compounds (betaine), stressed plants may accumulate late embryogenesis abundant hydrophilic
proteins and polyols (cyclitols like d-pinitol and mannitol) in addition to accumulating secondary
metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, nitrogen-containing and terpene compounds). This includes
different elicitor signal molecules and enhances the adaptation and resistance of plants to the
biotic and abiotic pressures imposed by the surrounding environment and, in this specific case,
to drought stress. In recent times, phytochemists and biologists are focusing on the isolation
and identification of specific lead molecules of arid plant species and understanding their
therapeutic significance. The phytochemical composition and the content of bioactive
compounds vary within the plant parts. Moreover, various factors such as geographical
topographies, climatic condition, growing patterns, and harvesting duration influence the
accumulation pattern of biochemical constituents in plants.
Different classes of secondary metabolites
Secondary Metabolites
Phenols: Phenolic compounds, or phenols, are the most abundant secondary metabolites in
plants, biosynthesized via the pentose phosphate (PP), shikimate (SK), and phenyl propanoid
(PhP) pathways in plants. Phenolic compounds commonly found in plants include the gallic,
vanillic, syringic and ferulic acids, catechine, picein and pungenin, taxifolin, coniferyl aldehyde
etc.. All these phenolics are strong inhibitors to cellulolytic enzymes. Arid plants such as
Leptadenia species and Calligonum species contain high concentration of phenolic compounds
which have valuable medicinal properties.
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are an important class of natural products; particularly, they belong to a
class of plant secondary metabolites having a polyphenolic structure, widely found in fruits,
vegetables and certain beverages. They have miscellaneous favourable biochemical and
antioxidant effects. Flavonoids are now considered as an indispensable component in a variety
of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medicinal and cosmetic applications. This is attributed to their
anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties coupled with
their capacity to modulate key cellular enzyme function. A diverse group of flavonoids are
present in Aerva species, Calligonum polygonoides, Indigofera oblongifolia etc.
Alkaloids: They are structurally diverse compounds generally classified as such due to the basic
character of the molecule (from Latin alkali) and a presence of at least one nitrogen atom,
preferably in a heterocycle. Many of the naturally occurring alkaloids have biological activity,
and some of them are being used as drugs in modern medicine (e.g. morphin, codeine,
reserpine, etc.).These compounds present a great interest for the researchers due to their
various pharmacological and biological activities. A diverse range of alkaloids are found in
Leptadenia species, Haloxylon species, Capparis decidua, Citrullus colocynthis etc.
Tannins: Commonly referred to as tannic acid, are water-soluble polyphenols that are present in
many plant foods. They have been reported to be responsible for decreases in feed intake,
growth rate, feed efficiency, net metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility in experimental
animals. Therefore, plants rich in tannins are considered to be of low nutritional value. Tannins
can defend leaves against insect herbivores by deterrence and/or toxicity. Tannins are
chemically diverse, but are functionally defined by their ability to bind protein. Arid plants
including Acacia species, Ziziphus species, Prosopis cineraria, Capparis decidua etc. have
considerable amount of tannins.
Saponins: : They are one of the most numerous and diverse groups of plant natural products.
They serve a range of ecological roles including plant defence against disease and herbivores
and possibly as allelopathic agents in competitive interactions between plants. The biological
activity of saponins is normally attributed to the amphipathic properties of these molecules,
which consist of a hydrophobic triterpene or sterol backbone and a hydrophilic carbohydrate
chain, although some saponins are known to have potent biological activities that are
dependent on other aspects of their structure. By expressing a large diversity of structures on
both sugar chains and aglycones, saponins exhibit a wide range of biological and
pharmacological properties and serve as major active principles in folk medicines. Plant‐derived
triterpenoid and steroidal saponins have been used in the production of steroid hormones in
the pharmaceutical industry, as food additives, fire extinguishers and in other industrial
applications. Other interesting biological applications include their use in anti‐inflammatory,
hypocholesterolemic and immune‐stimulating remedies. Among arid plants, Balanites
aegyptiaca (Hingota) is an important source of steroidal saponins such as Diosgenin.
Antioxidant capacity is the primary measurement to evaluate the state and
potential of oxidative stress in aging. Since imbalance between antioxidant and oxidants
generates the condition of oxidative stress, estimation of the reducing power/antioxidant
capacity the first step in the prediction of oxidative stress. Currently there has been an increased
interest globally to identify antioxidant compounds that are pharmacologically potent and have
low or no side effects for use in preventive medicine and food industry. The widespread use of
traditional herbs and medicinal plants has been traced to the occurrence of natural products
with medicinal properties. As plants produce significant amount of antioxidants to prevent the
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
oxidative stress caused by photons and oxygen, they represent a potential source of new
compounds with antioxidant activity. Apart from their protective role as antioxidants, plant
secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and tannins find several industrial applications. Similarly,
traditional knowledge of medicinal uses of arid plants can be exploited for the development of
pharmaceutical products.
Mahesh Kumar, Saurabh Swami and Anil Patidar*
ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
*ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Jaisalmer
Know Your Desert Plant
Paneer-bandh (Withania coagulens): An Important Medicinal Plant of Arid Region
Genus Withania Pauq. is one of the important genus belongs to family Solanceae, which is well
known for its high medicinal value in indigenous system of medicine in India. The genus is
represented by two species in the western Rajasthan i.e. W. somnifera (L.) Dunal and W.
coagulens (Stocks) Dunal. W. somnifera locally known as Asgandh or Ashwagandha is common in
dry wastelands preferably in fertile soils. It is also cultivated as a medicinal crop in arid and semi-
arid region and high yielding crop varieties are available for its large scale cultivation. However,
W. coagulens is a rare species in wastelands and usually found in vegetative state. In Jaisalmer
district, in natural condition sometimes it is associated with Calotropis procera.
Withania coagulens locally known as Paneer-bandh or Paneer-Pata or Paneer-
doda as it fruit are used in coagulating milk, hence it is also botanically named as Punneria
coagulens Stocks. It is also commonly known as vegetable rennet, Indian cheese-maker. W.
coagulens is distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. In India it is found in Rajasthan and
reported from Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner districts. This ashy-grey undershrub, upto
1 m high, has woody stem, which is densely clothed with mealy, stellate tomentum, sulcate
when dry. Leavers are 2-7 x 1.0-2.5 cm, elliptic-lanceolate or oblanceolate, coriaceous. Fruits are
globose, smooth, surrounded by the enlarged membranous calyx. Seeds are ear shaped and
glabrous. Flowering and fruiting occurs from November to March.
As the local name denotes, its fruits are traditionally used in coagulating milk and
preparing the cheese. The fresh and dried fruits are rubbed with a small quantity of milk and
then added to the rest of milk. This property in the plant is confined to only the pulp and husk of
the fruits. The plant parts like fruits, seeds, leaves and roots are widely used by local inhabitant
for the treatment of various diseases. Its fruits are traditionally used as herbal medicine for liver
complaints, asthma, biliousness and also in diabetes. In western Rajasthan, the fruits are
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
extensively used as emetic and [Link] fruits are commonly used for the treatment of
diabetes mellitus. The seeds are emmenagogue, diuretic, useful in lumbago, ophthalmic, lesion
the inflammation of piles. The ripe fruits are sedative, in intestinal infections. Leaves are used as
febrifuge and as blood purifier. The tender branches used as tooth brushes.
It became rare in the western Rajasthan desert due to degradation in its natural
distribution cover. Its population has decreased to a great extent and only countable collections
have been available from the area like Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts. Hence, it is
recommended that “Ex-situ” conservation and multiplication of germplasm through seeds and
also by biotechnological approaches may give desirable results. Further, wild population of
Withania coagulens should be protected wherever it occurs naturally. It is easily propagated
through seeds. First seed are sown in the nursery and then transplanted in the field. Emphasis
should be given for the ex-situ conservation in Botanical Gardens, National parks and Sanctuaries
in the state. Its cultivation is very much required for availability of its fruits for medicine and
other purposes and also for ex-situ conservation.
Naturally growing of Withania coagulens in wasteland of Jaisalmer (a).Fruiting in Withania
coagulens( b).Ripe fruits of Withaniacoagulens(c).
J.P. Singh and Anil Patidar*
ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
*ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Jaisalmer
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
ENVIS Activities
National Science Day
Celebrated National Science Day on
February 28, 2022 under the imitative Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav through webinar on this
year theme “Integrated Approach in S&T for
Sustainable Future”. Dr. P.C. Moharana,
Principal Scientist & Coordinator ENVIS,
ICAR- CAZRI welcomed the guest speaker
Professor. M.S. Reddy, Founder & Chairman,
Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable
Agriculture Entrepreneur & Consultant,
Auburn University, Albania, USA who
delivered is lecture on “Sustainable next
generation green revolution for global food security and plant health with innovative
approaches” He emphasized on need for Second Green Revolution and Smart Farming
Technology and encouraging the farmers to turn on for the organic fertilizer and chemical free
food production to meet a sustainable farming approach. Dr. Ritu Mawar, Principal Scientist
ICAR- CAZRI, proposed the vote of thanks. The webinar was attended by 63 scientists, technical
officers and other officials..
Cleanliness Drive
Conducted an outreach programme at Melba village, Jodhpur on March 14, 2022 on the theme
“Cleanliness Drive” under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The event was held at the premises
government. Dr. P.C. Moharana, Principal Scientist & ENVIS Coordinator Dr. [Link], Principal
Scientist & Head of Division of Natural Resources, Sarpanch (Head of the village), men and
women of the village and ENVIS staff actively participated in cleaning the school ground. A
drawing competition was also conducted for the school children from class IV to VIII on the
theme “Cleanliness and Environment”. 77 students of Government Upper Primary School, Melba
and Vijay International School, Piparli, Jodhpur enthusiastically participated in the competition
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
World Water Day
Organized a webinar jointly with ENVIS
Hub, Assam Science Technology &
Environment Council, Department of
Science & Technology, Govt. Of Assam
on World Water Day, March 22, 2022
under the initiative “ Ek Bharat Shresth
Bharat” and also as a part of Azadi ka
Amrit Mahotsav on this year’s theme
“Groundwater: making the invisible
visible”. The guest speaker from
Rajasthan Dr. [Link], Principal Scientist, Division of Natural Resources, ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur
gave his presentation on “Water Resources of Arid Western Rajasthan and its Management
Strategies” while the guest speaker of Assam, Prof. Krishna Gopal Bhattacharyya, Former HoD,
Dept. of Chemistry, Former Dean, Faculty of Science, Guwahati University delivered his lecture
on this year theme focusing on eastern India specially Guwahati region. The webinar was
attended by 63 scientists, officials and other participants from both the states.
World Environment Day
Organized a webinar on World Environment Day on June 04, 2022 on this year’s theme “Only
One Earth” Dr. P. C. Moharana, Principal Scientist & ENVIS Coordinator, at ICAR-CAZRI briefed the
importance of environment day. Dr. N. V. Patil, Director (Acting), ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur in his
opening remarks said that our earth is a livable planet and is endowed with rich biodiversity. He
narrated how developmental activities and climate change factors are root cause of land
degradation as well as extinction of valuable species. He urged that in order to protect our
planet, there is also a need to understand the role of traditional knowledge. Dr. P. Santra,
Principal Scientist, ICAR-CAZRI, gave a brief introduction of the guest speaker [Link], Head
& Principal Scientist, ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur who delivered his lecture on “Traditional Ecological
Knowledge in Natural Resources Management”. He elaborated the meaning and importance of
traditional knowledge which have ancient roots and keep on passing on from one generation to
another. He presented a review of arid shrubs and trees some of which are at various stages of
depletion, therefore needs conservation. 37 scientists, officials and other participants attended
the webinar.
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Desertification and Drought Day 2022
A poster was released on Desertification and Drought Day on June 17, 2022 on this year’s
theme “Rising up from Drought together” showcasing the slogans prepared by the institute
scientists reflecting innovative ideas based on this year theme.
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DESERT ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER Volume 24(1-2) January - June, 2022
Information Around
How Land Restoration action cuts across and impacts sectors
Source: [Link]
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