Non-timber forest genetic resources of arid and semi-arid regions of India

Abstract

Forests have evolved in their natural ecosystems over millennia to become the world’s most important and valuable renewable natural resources. Genetic variety in perspective trees has been defined as Forest Genetic Resources (FGRs). Forest genetic resources directly or indirectly sustain human livelihoods and provide raw materials for various forest-based enterprises. This chapter focuses on the FGRs of the arid and semiarid regions, which have a wide range of land formations, soils, fauna, plants, water balances, and human activities. Cultivating trees that have the potential to generate lucrative non-timber goods is the primary source of revenue in this problematic climatic situation. Arid and semi-arid regions have a diverse gene pool of tree species. The increased pressure and ongoing desertification threaten the gene pool of tree species in arid and semi-arid environments. These regions' FGRs are not sufficiently documented, and there is no way to access and use them effectively. This paper intends to establish a framework for writing, better understanding, protecting, and understanding the utility of non-timber forest genetic resources (NTFGR) in dry and semi-arid regions. It focuses on arid and semi-arid tree species that have the potential to yield non-timber value, to increase awareness and understanding of Forest Genetic Resources.