M L Meena*, Nidhi Kumari

Prospects and M S Kundu

Khejri: A wonder tree for nutritional value

Khejri (Prosopis cineraria (L.) Marbride) is an important component of farming

system and plays a significant role in the economy of Indian desert. Belonging to
sub family Mimosoidae Fabaceae (Leguminoceae) family, the tree is found growing
in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and
some parts of southern India. Its highly nutritious leaves constitute important source
of fodder for livestock while nutritious pods are valued as vegetable for human
beings. The immature pods are used as vegetables both fresh as well as after
dehydration, while ripe dried pods can be powdered and used in the preparation
of bakery items such as biscuits and cookies. The Khejri tree plays a vital role
in maintaining the ecosystem of the dreary Thar region because of its ability to
survive in such tough conditions and the different ways in which it can be used
by the farmers. Monetary advantage obtained through cultivation of Khejri by
adopting improved production technologies can be very well assessed through
comparison between other plants and crops on the average yield, resources/inputs
used and prevailing price of inputs and produce.

A RID is a term applied to land that is dry, parched

and often devoid of vegetation. It is usually
applied to a climate or region where rainfall is barely
Khejri is an important component of farming system
and plays significant role in the economy of Indian
desert. Belonging to sub family Mimosoidae Fabaceae
sufficient to support vegetation. Rajasthan is a land of (Leguminoceae) family, the tree is found growing in arid
diversities. However, desert remains dominant, besides and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana,
the mountains. India arid zone covers seven states viz. Punjab, Delhi and some parts of southern India. This
Rajasthan (62%), Gujarat (19.4%), Haryana (6.3%), Punjab tree grows well in all sorts of climatic constraints which is
(5.6%), Maharashtra (4.7%), Karnataka (3.1%) and Andhra evidenced by the fact that new foliar growth, flowering and
Pradesh (1%). The cold arid zone is found at Laddakh of fruiting occur during extreme dry months (March-June)
Jammu and Kashmir. The arid zones are characterized when most other tree of the desert remain leafless
by scare, highly erratic and low rainfall days per year. or dormant. Because of its multiple economic value
Extreme variation in annual temperature (-2.5 0 C in and suitability in agro-forestry systems, it is conserved
winter and 49.90 C in summer), high potential evaporation in arable land where its population is regulated by
rate (6 mm/day) and wind velocity (30 km/hr) are other the farmer. Owing to deep tap root system, monolayer
characteristics. The whole tract of Rajasthan desert is canopy and atmospheric nitrogen fixing ability, the tree
sandy with unfavourable physical condition of soil and has favourable effect on companion crop and therefore,
ground water. In general, the soils are poor in organic remains natural choice in agro-forestry systems in arid
matter and high infiltration rate (15-30 cm/hr). The coarse ecosystem. All arid land forms except hills and saline
textured soils of sandy plains are called as ‘Desert Soils’. depression receiving an average rainfall of 150-500 mm
Jodhpur and Barmer district of Rajasthan have the largest have good density of khejri trees.
duration of sunshine hours (9.30 hr/day). Rajasthan is
endowed with very strong natural resources base. Arid Importance of khejri
fruits and vegetables are chief source of supply during Different parts of khejri plants have long been used
seasonal short falls or hunger periods at the beginning of by desert people in a variety of uses. Its highly nutritious
the rainy seasons, before the crops are ready to harvest leaves constitute important source of fodder for livestock
or during famine period. The khejri is known as Kalp while nutritious pods are valued as vegetable for human
Taru in Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The oldest name of this beings. The immature pods are rich in crude protein,
plant is Mimosa cineraria (Linn.) and later called as Prosopis carbohydrates and minerals. About 18% crude protein,
spicigera which was validated by the Code of Botanical 56% carbohydrates, 0.4% each of phosphorus and
Nomenclature ‘Prosopis cineraria’ (Linn.) Macbride. It is calcium and 0.02% iron in immature pods. The
also described as Mimosa suma or Acacia suma by some immature pods are used as vegetables both fresh as well
European Sanskrit Scholars. as after dehydration, while ripe dried pods having 9-14%

32 Indian Horticulture
Table 1. Nutrient content of khejri fruits (pods) from It is known to improve soil fertility; it aids nitrate
arid zone retention in soil.
y The tree contributes to the micro-flora in desert soil.
Name of nutrient Quantity Its tap root goes deep into the earth, to depths of
Protein 23.2% about 25 feet, seeking water. Wells are often dug close
to the tree, for one can be sure of finding water near
Carbohydrate 56.0%
it. When vultures were more common in the desert,
Fat 2.0% they would roost and nest in its branches.
Fibre 20%
Vitamin ‘A’ - Production Technology
Vitamin ‘B2’ - Plant propagation
Attempts have been made in the past to propagate
Vitamin ‘C’ 523.0 (mg/100g)
khejri through micro-propagation and air layering but
Calcium (Ca) 414.0 (mg/100g) those could not be commercially viable. A patch budding
Phosphorus (P) 400.0 (mg/100g) technique has been successfully used in top working to
Ferrous (Fe) 19.0 (mg/100g) convert wild trees of khejri into more improved ones that
bear good quality pods with more nutritive value. The
Energy (Kcal/gm) 334.8 (Kcal/gm)
improved cultivar ‘Thar Shobha’ of khejri developed by
Central Institute of Arid Horticulture (CIAH), Bikaner
crude protein and 6-16% can be powdered and used is very good bearing in one year after budding in deshi
in the preparation of bakery items such as biscuits and root stock.
cookies. The fruits from arid zone are nutritionally far However, we have developed a technique for
more superior to the commercially available fruits viz. production of transplantable budded plants on one
apple, banana, grapes etc. They are rich in carbohydrates year old seedling rootstock for producing true-to-type and
and protein which are present in negligible amounts uniform stands of khejri. Raising of rootstock seedlings
in commercial fruits. Also, they have higher mineral and budding technique, the seeds from ripened pods
contents. Prosopis cineraria fruit is very rich in vitamin C of khejri are extracted during May-June. The seeds are
and calcium and phosphorus contents. Other important treated with Thiram @ 3 g/kg before sowing to control
roles of khejri whole plant are: the seed borne disease in the nursery. They are then sown
y Khejri tree plays a vital role in maintaining the in polythene bags (10×25 cm, 200 gauage) filled with
ecosystem of the dreary Thar region because of standard nursery mixture of sand, clay and goat manure
its ability to survive in such tough conditions and the (3:1:1) in the month of July. The seedlings are raised in
different ways in which it can be used by the farmers. sunken nursery beds with proper drainage facility. A year
y Apart from being a source of firewood and fodder, later, the seedling rootstocks with diameter of 0.4–0.8
the Khejri also helps in sustaining the nutrient value cm are selected. The bud wood is collected from
of the soil and ensuring a good yield. juvenile branches of selected plus trees. The bud sticks
y In addition, the fruit is used to make the very popular should have plumpy, slightly swollen and green buds. The
local dish ‘Sangri’ and can fetch up to ` 300 per kilo rootstocks are prepared by removing all the side shoots
for the farmers. The flowers make an amazing bee- and heading back at the height of 25-30 cm from the base.
fodder. Even the timber is useful. The method of budding during July to September gives
y The khejri tree is adapted to withstand both frost and about 60% success. In this method, a vertical incision is
drought, and survives both high temperature and low. given in the bark of the rootstock to a length of 2-3 cm

Table 2. Production economics of Khejri in dryland farming in Rajasthan

Particular Quantity Rate (`/unit) Amount (`)

Land preparation Twice 1750 3500

Plants/planting materials 278/ha 30/plant budded 8340
Manure and fertilizers (Deshi/vermicompost) 5 kg/plant (278 plants) 5/kg x 278 1390
Others (insecticides, irrigation, training/pruning, 25/plant × 278 25x278 6950
watching, fencing etc.)
Total cost (`) - - 20180
Gross return (`/ha), per plant Income from loom (dry leaf) 25 kg dry leaf/plant 25x278x5 34750
Income from tender pods 15 kg/plant 20x278x15/ha 83400
Income from dehydrate pods 5.5 kg/plant 5.5x278x60 91740
Gross income from Khejri/ha - - 175140
Net return (`/ha) - - 154969
B:C ratio - - 8.6

May–June 2023 33
 Heavy growth of cotton crop under Full mature khejri plant for cutting Intercropping with khejri and henna
Khejri shed loom

Khejri pods Full bearing of tender pods Tender pods for dehydration

at about 15 cm height from the ground level. The bark is bud may faster.
slightly loosened from the sides with the help of budding
knife and a piece of scion having plumpy bud is inserted Lopping
into the loosened bark of the rootstock. It is then tied In western Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Haryana,
with a polythene wrap. Proper aftercare regarding timely the lopping of trees starts from mid-November and
watering, removal of side shoots, weeding etc. are taken. continues up to January. The leaves and pods constitute
The bud sprouting start in about 20-25 days after budding a major source of fodder. The dried leaves of khejri
and the budded plants are ready for out planting in the called as loom or long are used as quality fodder for
field after 40-50 days of budding (Fig. 1). The out planting the animals during lean period. There is contrary report
in the field may be done during September October before about lopping practices. It is reported that if trees are
the advent of low temperature. lopped at 3 years intervals, they produce 172-242% more
leaf fodder by weight than those recurrently lopped. In
Orchard establishment general, annual lopping is common practice of khejri
To development true-to type plantation of khejri by the farmers, though annual lopping is not suggested
variety, Thar Shobha vegetative propagations technique for sangria production. The tree may be lopped after
is necessary either budding on nursery raised root stocks harvesting of the pods, in order to promote physiological
or in situ budding in field established rootstocks. The bud maturity of the shoots for production of sangria next
grafted plants have vigorous growth, thornless, precocious season. These observations must be verified by conducting
flowering, high pod yield and bio-mass from 3-4 years of field experiments.
establishment. For easy germination and healthy growth
of seedlings, prior to sowing, seeds should be soaked in Harvesting
water for 4-6 hours and also treated with fungicide. For The trees of seedlings origin come in bearing after
field planting, 9-10 months old seedlings should be used 8-10 years but the vegetatively propagated plants came
and it should be started with the on-set of monsoon rains in fruiting after 3rd year and thus the gestation period
from July-September which gives 80-90% establishment. reduced markedly. The plants flower during February-
March and fruit setting takes place in April-May. Only
Training and pruning immature tender pods are used as vegetables, hence stage
Training and pruning are essential practices for of harvesting is very essential, which should be done
plant structure, canopy management and harvest of crop within fortnight of fruit setting in two-three consecutive
produce khejri. After successful intake of scion buds on operations. It is very difficult to assess the yield of khejri
the rootstocks either in nursery raised or in situ established growing under natural conditions due to variation in age,
seedlings, the upper portion of the stocks should be site conditions, uncontrolled lopping and other biotic
removed or pruned so that growth of sprouted scion and abiotic interferences. As an estimate, a fully grown

34 Indian Horticulture
up tree (> 12 years old) gives on an average 7-8 kg green caqnopy spread and tree volume as compared to those
tender pod yield per year. The recovery is about 25-30% growing in open. The percentage increase in tree volume
after dehydration of fresh sangria. However, there is high was highest with ber followed by anola, beal, pomegranate
variation in market price of fresh sangria (` 20-25/kg) and and minimum in guava plants. The observations indicated
dehydrated sangria (` 150-200/kg). Therefore, setting of that the khejri tree has not only positive effect on annual
dehydrated sangria is more economical than the fresh crop but it also improves the vegetative vigour of several
ones. Ripe pods may be collected by hand picking or fruit trees planted in their proximity.
by shaking/beating the branches. Nearly 1.4 quintals of
pods/ha with a variation of 10.7% in dry location can be Dehydration of sangri
obtained. The pod yield is significantly correlated with The tender pods of khejri both fresh and dehydrated
diameter at breast height of the tree. One tree of Khejri are utilized as vegetable. Now-a-days, khejri dishes are very
gives at least 5 kg of ripe pods. popular in some of top class hotels in Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer, Jalore, Pali and Barmer of Rajasthan. However,
Production economics the dehydrated Sangri available in the market are not of
Since profitability is the prime concern of farmers, ideal quality because of improper harvesting stages, un-
hence the economic analysis of the production of pods, cleaned and un-blanched before dehydration. Therefore,
leaf, bark, sticks and roots is compared on the basis of an experiment was initiated to see the effect of blanching
feedback received from the farmers. Monetary advantage treatment on dehydration quality of sangri. It has been
obtained through cultivation of Khejri by adopting found that 5 minute blanching in 2% salt solution gives
improved production technologies can be very well light green colour after rehydration and liked by the
accessed through comparison between other plants and people on organoleptic scoring as compared to either
crops on the average yield, resources/inputs used and un-blanched (control) or blanching in boiling water only.
prevailing price of inputs and produce. Table 2 showsthat However, the product of prolonged blanching (10 minutes)
net return obtained ` 154968/ha (B: C ration of 8.6) both in water and in 2% salt solution also was not liked
from Khejri than other crops and fruit plants. Thus by by people.
cultivating such arid plant through adoption of suggested
scientific ways will surely uplift the economic status of Preparation of khejri cookies
farmers of western Rajasthan. A preliminary attempt was made to prepare cookies
from dried khejri pods (khokha). After proper cleaning and
Utilization drying, the powder of khokha was made with and without
Each and every part of the khejri including root, stem, seeds. Thereafter the khokha powder was mixed with
bark, leaf, flower, fruit, seed and gum are being used in wheat flour by replacing 10, 20, 30 and 40% wheat flour
one or the other way (Tables 1 and 2). The main uses while other ingredients remaining almost constant and its
are thicking wood as timber, lopped branches as fuel, biscuits were prepared. By scoring, the 10% replacement
leaves as fodder, green tender and dehydrated pods for of wheat flour by khokha powder without seeds was the
vegetables, dried pods (khokha) for fresh consumption best among all other treatments. With increasing ratio of
and flour of dried pods are used by the rural people for khokha powder, the taste of biscuits becomes bitter. The
making chapatti to limited scale and also as cattle feed. interesting point was that the highest organoleptic score
The immature pods of khejri (sangria) are rich in protein was secured by control (without khokha powder) indicated
content (15%). The gum, inflorescence and bark have that colour and taste were more important than nutritive
various medicinal uses adopting by rural communities value from marketing point of view. The extraction of
as indigenous practices. The seeds obtained from dried seeds from khokha was the other limitation.
pods are oil yielding.
SUMMARY
As agro-forestry component The importance and prospects for further use
Khejri is compatible perennial component of various of Prosopis cineraria (L.) MacBride is reviewed. This
agro-forestry systems in arid ecosystem because of its leguminous tree species is common in the arid and semi-
deep root system, leguminous nature, prone to lopping arid zones of the Indian state of Rajasthan, and is of great
and capacity to tolerate various biotic and abiotic stresses. economic importance as almost every part of the tree is
Farmers have retained the khejri plants in their fields utilised. It is extremely drought resistant, supports a higher
and bunds as the trees have least or no adverse effect understorey plant population than other dryland tree
on several ground story crops. In arid region of western species and has a major role to play in agri-silvicultural
Rajasthan, moth, guar, bajra, mixed with kachri, mattera, and silvo-pastoral systems.
tinda, kakri etc. are being grown in association with natural
growing khejri under rainfed condition since long back.
The effect of khejri tree on vegetative vigour of fruit trees
like anola, ber, guava, pomegranate and bael grown under For further interaction, please write to:
shade and in open conditions was also assessed. It was Dr M L Meena (Senior Scientist and Head), Krishi Vigyan
observed that the fruit trees grown under shade produced Kendra, Turki-Muzaffarpur, Bihar. *Corresponding author email:
more vigorous growth with respect to plant height, mlmeenacazri@gmail.com

May–June 2023 35