earticle

영어

Capparis decidua (kair), a multiple branched shrub, is an important species of desert and arid regions of India that provides vegetative cover in dry, hot, sandy desert areas, improves soil, and prevents soil erosion. Kair plays an important role in the rural economy of arid regions. It is one of the most important indigenous NTFP yielding shrub species of the region. Its fruits yield supplementary income to the rural people since it is used to make pickles, a value-added product, which is in very high demand. This article presents the ways to enhance the productivity of kair fruit for the food security and improving livelihoods of rural people. Various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers were tried to arrive at the appropriate combination which suited best to enhance fruit productivity. Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers was helpful in enhancing the number of fruiting shrubs and per shrub yield. Leaf Compost Manure (LCM) in combination with inorganic fertilizer (potassium, phosphorus, and zinc) provided highest fruit yield. Moisture conservation also contributed significant fruit yield.