Semi-arid Region Of India Research Articles

Characterizing Nali and Chokla sheep differentiation with microsatellite markers

Nali and Chokla thin tailed, brown-faced reputed carpet wool sheep breeds from Northwestern arid and semi-arid region of India were characterized for population structure and genetic variability using 25 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) proposed ovine specific microsatellite markers. The results revealed high level of genetic variability in each of the two investigated breeds (allele diversity: Nali = 5.520, Chokla = 5.320; gene diversity: Nali = 0.651, Chokla = 0.657). Low level of genetic differentiation between Nali and Chokla sheep was evident from low genetic differentiation estimates ( F ST = 0.083); high number of shared alleles (70.4%) and Nei's genetic distances ( D S = 0.229 and D A = 0.168). Gene flow ( N m = 3.896) could have played an important role for close genetic similarity in the two investigated sheep of narrow geographical vicinity. Population inbreeding estimates ( F IS, Nali = 0.397, Chokla = 0.299; F IT = 0.40) indicated considerable level of inbreeding and high genetic homogeneity in the investigated sheep populations ( p < 0.05). Close genetic identity of these sheep breeds based on microsatellite quantification is in agreement to the earlier arrangement of these Rajasthani sheep in a Bikaneri group. The present information is important for meeting the demands of future breeding programmes as well as for formulating effective conservation strategies.

IDE (India)'s market creation approach to development

Although drip irrigation is well-known to farmers in semi-arid regions of India, it is regarded as involving too great a capital investment for small and marginal farmers. This article describes the ADITI programme, which helped manufacturers develop a low-cost irrigation technology affordable by these farmers, which enables them to invest in horticulture and year-round vegetable production for the market. Existing irrigation equipment suppliers were involved in promoting the new technology and training farmers, and most of these suppliers have continued serving these farmers after the end of the programme.

Water and nitrate movement in drip-irrigated onion under fertigation and irrigation treatments

Frequent fertigation of crops is often advocated in the technical and popular literature, but there is limited evidence of the benefits of high-frequency fertigation. Field experiments were conducted on an Indo-American Hybrid var., Creole Red, of onion crop during three winter seasons of 1999–2000 through 2001–2002 in coarse-textured soil of Delhi under the semi-arid region of India. Three irrigation levels of 60, 80 and 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ET) and four fertigation frequencies of daily, alternate day, weekly and monthly comprised the fertigation treatment. Analysis of soil samples indicated considerable influence of fertigation frequency on NO 3-N distribution in soil profile. NO 3-N in lower soil profiles (30.0–60.0 cm soil depth) was marginally affected in daily, alternate day and weekly fertigation. However, fluctuations of NO 3-N content in 0.0–15.0, 15.0–30.0, 30.0–45.0 and 45.0–60.0 cm soil depth was more in monthly fertigation frequency. The level of soil NO 3-N after the crop season shows that more NO 3-N leached through the soil profile in monthly fertigation frequency. Amounts of irrigation water applied in three irrigation treatments proved to be too small to cause significant differences in the content of NO 3-N leached beyond rooting depth of onion. Yield of onion was not significantly affected in daily, alternate day and weekly fertigation, though there was a trend of lower yields with monthly fertigation. The highest yield was recorded in daily fertigation (28.74 t ha −1) followed by alternate day fertigation (28.4 t ha −1). Lowest yield was recorded in monthly fertigation frequency (21.4 t ha −1). Application of 56.4 cm irrigation water and 3.4 kg ha −1 urea per fertigation (daily) resulted in highest yield of onion with less leaching of NO 3-N.

Chemical characteristics of individual rain events from a semi-arid region in India: Three-year study

Abstract A systematic study of individual precipitation (wet-only) events ( n = 91 ), collected for three years (2000–2002) during the period of SW-monsoon (June–September) from a semi-arid region (Ahmedabad, 23°03′N, 72°38′E) in India, reveals that rainwater is characteristically alkaline in nature (pH range: 5.2–8.2, Av.=6.7). The ionic ratio of Cl− and Na+ in each event closely follows that of sea-salt composition. The measured abundances of Ca2+ (5.5–1057 μeq l−1), Mg2+ (1.5–251 μeq l−1) and HCO3− (8–836 μeq l−1); non-sea-salt (nss) components of Ca2+ and Mg2+ varying as 94–99% and 0–84%; and linear regression parameters among (nss-Ca2++nss-Mg2+) and HCO3− (slope=0.71, r 2 = 0.96 ) all tend to suggest that crustal sources dominate the chemical composition of precipitation. The concentrations of acidic constituents SO2−4 and NO3− vary over a wide range, from 4.8 to 431 and 1.0 to 115 μeq l−1, respectively; and that of NH4+ varied from 1.7 to 220 μeq l−1 and K+ as 0.6–53 μeq l−1. A significant impact of anthropogenic sources on rainwater composition is evident based on the nss-fraction of SO2−4 (67–99%, VWM=86%) and equivalent ratio of nss-SO42−/NO3− (0.8–6.7, VWM=2.5). With the exception of NH4+, concentration of an individual species in a rain event is largely controlled by the precipitation amount. The inter-annual variations in the volume-weighted-mean composition are not significantly pronounced; making this a representative data set for the study region.

Performance assessment of irrigation water management of heterogeneous irrigation schemes: 2. A case study

The non-uniformity of soils, weather, fields, cropping pattern and canal systems in most surface irrigation schemes makes irrigation water management complex, but optimum performance is important particularly in irrigation schemes with limited water supply. This paper focuses on the performance of irrigation water management during the area and water allocation with a case study of an irrigation scheme in the semi-arid region of India. Often the irrigation managers or authorities of these heterogeneous irrigation schemes also need to deal with different allocation rules. The allocation plans and the corresponding water delivery schedules during the allocation process were estimated with the help of a simulation–optimisation model for different allocation rules based on cropping distributions (free and fixed), water distributions (free and fixed-area proportionate), irrigation depth (full, fixed depth and variable depth irrigation) and irrigation interval (from 14 to 35 days). The performance measures of productivity (in terms of net benefits and area irrigated), equity (in water distribution), adequacy and excess were assessed for these different allocation plans and schedules. These were further compared with the performance measures of the existing rule (fixed depth irrigation at a fixed interval). The analysis revealed that these performance measures are in some cases complimentary and in other cases conflicting with each other. Therefore, it would be appropriate for the irrigation managers to understand fully the nature of the variation in performance measures for different allocation rules prior to deciding the allocation plans for the irrigation scheme.

LESSONS LEARNT IN PROMOTING MPTS ON FARMERS' WASTELANDS IN A SEMIARID RAINFED REGION OF INDIA

ABSTRACT A project to promote multipurpose trees on unutilized wastelands of farmers in a semiarid region of India involved farmers in tree planting to meet their future requirements for firewood, small timber, fruit and fodder. Five such species were selected based on species suitability for the region and the choice of the majority of the farmers—Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo, Embilica officinalis, Psidium guajava and Ziziphus jujuba. The paper describes farmers' perception towards these species and their performance after three years of growth in the field. The adoption of such species by the farmers on a large scale will require actions to motivate them to invest for their future needs.

Seed Source Variation in Growth Performance and Oil Yield of Jatropha curcas Linn. in Central India

Abstract Results of a seed source evaluation trial of Jatropha curcas Linn. laid out in 1996 at Jabalpur (M.P), a semi arid region of India are reported and discussed. Seeds collected from ten sources from central India representing the states Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra viz. Gondia, Bichia, Balaghat, Niwas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Nasik, Chindwara, Kundam and Jabalpur were evaluated for their growth performance from nursery stage (3 months) to field (two years). Variation in seed oil content of different sources were also studied and reported. Significant differences between the seed sources at age 27 months were observed for height, collar diameter, number of branches leaf area and field survival. Seeds collected from different sources also varied significantly in respect of seed and kernel weight and oil content in seed/kernel. The Chhindwara (M.P.) source performed the best and yielded a maximum oil of 39.12% from whole seed and 58.12% from kernel. The oil content ranged from 33.02 to 39.12% in whole seeds and 47.08 to 58.12% in kernel, across the seed sources. The performance of Kundam (M.P.), Jabalpur (M.P.), Bichia (M.P.), Niwas (M.P.) and Nasik (Maharashtra) sources were also found satisfactory for oil yield. Results indicate that genetic differences exist between the seed sources of J. curcas. The growth traits showed significant positive correlation with each other. Fair differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability were observed. Heritability (broad sense) values were fairly good with regard to leaf area, height and collar diameter in comparison to survival percent. The relative performance of these sources was fairly consistent throughout the observation period.

Seed Source Variation in Growth Performance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. of Australian Origin in India

Abstract Results of a provenance trial of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. laid out in 2001 at Seothi (30° N Lat., 76° E Long. and 250 m altitude) Haryana, a semi-arid region of India are reported and discussed. Six seed sources from Australia viz. Laura River, Emu Creek, Degrey River, Wiluna, Kennedy River, Morehead River were evaluated from nursery stage (3 months) to field performance (2 year). Two sources viz. E.tereticornis (Helenvele, Qld) and FRI-4 a local seed source were used as control (check material). Significant differences between the seed sources at nursery stage were observed for collar diameter (P &lt; 0.05) and number of leaves (P &lt; 0.01). At age 2 years, significant differences between the seed sources (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for height and field survival. The two seed sources viz. Emu Creek Petford, QLD and Laura river, QLD ranked first and second for height and survival at this age. Results indicate that genetic differences exist between the sources of E. camaldulensis. None of the traits assessed (viz. height, collar diameter, number of leaves, number of branches and survival) was found to correlate with any of the geographical coordinates of the site (latitude, longitude and altitude). There were fair differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability. Heritability values were fairly high for height and clear bole length in comparison to collar diameter, number of branches and survival. The relative performance of these provenances was fairly consistent throughout the period of observation. The two sources viz. Laura river, QLD and Emu Creek Petford, QLD are recommended for potential source for plantation programme under semi-arid conditions.

Variation in Growth Performance of Acacia nilotica Willd. ex Del. Provenances of Wide Geographical Origin : Six Year Results

Abstract Results of a provenance trial of Acacia nilotica Willd. ex Del. laid out in 1993 at Tropical Forest Research Institute Campus, Jabalpur (23°N lat., 79°E long. and 400 m altitude) Madhya Pradesh, a semi-arid region of India are reported and discussed. Nineteen provenances from India, Pakistan, Sudan, Senegal and Yemen were evaluated in the field at age three and six years. Local source of A. nilotica (S.F.R.I., Jabalpur) was used as check material for comparison. Significant differences between the provenances (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of branches and field survival. The provenances from Gujrat (Punjab), Pakistan, ranked first for growth traits namely height, DBH and survival. The next superior provenance was from Beihan, Yemen, which scored second highest values of height and DBH and had good survival at age six years. Results indicate that genetic differences exist between the provenances of A.nilotica. None of the traits assessed (viz. height, DBH, number of branches, inter-nodal length and survival) were found to correlate with any of the geographical coordinates of the provenances (latitude, longitude and altitude). Height, DBH and number of branches showed significant and positive correlation with each other. Fair differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability were observed. Heritability values were found fairly good for height, DBH and number of branches as compared to inter-nodal length. The relative performance of these provenances was fairly consistent throughout the period of observation at three and six year. The two sources viz. Gujrat (Punjab), Pakistan and Beihan, Yemen, are recommended for plantation programme under semi-arid conditions.

Studies on Feed Intake and Nutrient Utilization of Sheep under Two Housing Systems in a Semi-arid Region of India

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of two housing systems on feed intake and nutrient utilization of sheep in a semi-arid region of India. Two types of housing managements were adopted. The first was a shed- 20'×10' structure with all the four sides of 6 'chain link fencing with central height of 10'. The roof was covered with asbestos sheets, with mud floorings. The second was an open corral- 20'×10' open space with all the four sides covered with 6' chain link fencing. Thirty-four (32 ewes and 2 rams) sheep were grazed together on a 35 ha plot of native range. All the sheep were grazed as a flock from 08:00 to 17:00 h during the yearlong study. The flock was divided into two groups (16 ewes+1 ram) in the evening and housed according to two housing systems (Shed and Open Corral). Three digestion trials were conducted during three defined seasons of monsoon, winter and summer seasons to determine the effect of housing on nutrient intake and utilization. Blood samples were collected in three seasons for the estimation of hemoglobin and glucose. Dry and wet bulb temperatures were recorded at 06:00 A.M. and 09:00 P.M. using suitable thermometers both inside the shed and in the open corral and temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. There was significant (p 0.05). The digestibility of DM was 45.92, 45.13 and 50.30 in sheep housed under shed and 43.64, 45.02 and 55.02 in sheep housed in open corral during monsoon, winter and summer seasons, respectively. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the digestibility of nutrients in sheep maintained under shed and in open corral. Blood Hb concentration was 13.97, 14.13 and 13.15 in sheep housed under shed and 15.27, 13.63 and 14.82 in those kept in open corral, whereas blood glucose concentration was 59.67, 59.70 and 52.33 in sheep under shed and 61.00, 61.00 and 57.83 in open corral, during monsoon, winter and summer, respectively. There was also no significant effect of housing on the body weight changes, wool yield and survivability in ewes. Although housing had no significant effect on nutrient intake, their utilization and blood parameters, there was significant effect on the physiological responses and energy expenditure of sheep maintained under the two housing systems (Bhatta et al., 2004). It can be concluded from this study that the housing systems didn't have any significant effect on the nutrient intake and utilization of native breed like Malpura, which were well adapted to the hot semi-arid conditions of India. However, while deciding provisions for housing of different breeds of sheep (both crossbred and native) parameters like physiological responses, energy expenditure, health conditions and overall economics of the systems should be taken into consideration. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 6 : 814-819)

Farmers' Seed Systems and Management Practices Determine Pearl Millet Genetic Diversity Patterns in Semiarid Regions of India

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] landraces provide nutritional quality and security under the harsh environmental conditions of Rajasthan, India. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), this study investigated pearl millet genetic diversity patterns and related the results to farmers' local knowledge and seed systems. Thirty‐nine cultivars were assessed: 14 farmer landraces from western Rajasthan, 13 farmer landraces from eastern Rajasthan, and 12 control cultivars. Shannons' information index for western (H = 0.34) and eastern (H = 0.32) Rajasthan landraces was up to 14% higher than in composite‐based improved cultivars. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that variation within landrace populations was much higher than between regional samples. In the west, intra‐village variation was higher than inter‐village variation. In the east, variation between landrace groups bearing a specific name was higher than intra‐group variation. Gene flow, inferred from genetic distances between populations, was used as an indicator for seed exchange between farmers. In western Rajasthan, seed exchange appears to be especially dynamic, as gene flow was greater than Nem = 25 among most of its populations. Farmers' knowledge of local cultivars and seed systems was, for the most part, supported by the AFLP analysis. These results are relevant for in situ maintenance and breeding strategies with a view to improving traditional cultivars, specifically performance and yielding stability.

Susceptibility to natural gastro-intestinal nematode infection in different physiological stages in Jamunapari and Barbari goats in the semi-arid tropics

Resistance to naturally acquired gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasite infections (predominantly Haemonchus) of 212 Jamunapari and 163 Barbari goats (does) were studied in different physiological stages, namely pregnant, dry and lactating stages in a semi-arid region of India. The faecal egg counts (FECs) for GI nematode infections were examined in different physiological stages in both the breeds in two periods, i.e. an early period (October–November) and a late period (February–March). Analysis was carried out on log e(FEC+100) transformed data, accounting for repeated records on does, during early and late periods. Breed had significant effect on FEC in early and late periods in pregnant, dry and lactating does. Breed by physiological interaction had significant effect on FEC in both the early and late periods. Jamunapari lactating goats had significantly higher FEC than that of dry and pregnant does but there was no peri-parturient rise in FEC in the resistant Barbari goats.

Phytase and phosphatase producing fungi in arid and semi-arid soils and their efficiency in hydrolyzing different organic P compounds

Seven most efficient phytase and phosphatases producing fungi were isolated from the soils of arid and semi-arid regions of India and tested for their efficiency on hydrolysis of two important organic P compounds: phytin and glycerophosphate. The native soil organic P may be exploited after using these organisms as seed inoculants, to help attain higher P nutrition of plants. The identified organisms belong to the three genera: Aspergillus, Emmericella and Penicillium. Penicillium rubrum released the most acid into the medium during growth. Aspergillus niger isolates were found to accumulate biomass the fastest. A significant negative correlation ( r=−0.593, n=21, p<0.01) was observed between the development of fungal mat and pH of the media. The extracellular (E) phosphatases released by different fungi were less than their intracellular (I) counterpart, but the trend was reversed in case of phytase production. The E:I ratio of different fungi ranged from 0.39 to 0.86 for acid phosphatase, 0.29 to 0.41 for alkaline phosphatases and 9.4 to 19.9 for phytase. The efficiency of hydrolysis of different organic P compounds of different fungi varied from 2.12–4.85 μg min −1 g −1 for glycerophosphate to 0.92–2.10 μg min −1 g −1 for phytin. The trend of efficiency was as follows: Aspergillus sp.> Emmericella sp.> Penicillium sp. The results indicated that the identified fungi have enough potential to exploit native organic phosphorus to benefit plant nutrition.

An Overview of the Land Surface Processes Experiment (Laspex) over a Semi-Arid Region of India

To understand and quantify the land-surface-vegetation interactionwith the atmospheric boundary layer, and validate or improve upon the existing surfaceflux parameterization schemes in various weather forecast models, a LAnd SurfaceProcesses EXperiment (LASPEX), was designed and executed in the semi-arid regionof Gujarat, India during January 1997–December 1998. Micrometeorological tower observations,soil and vegetation parameters, radiation, turbulence and upper airobservations were taken continuously for two years at five sites, separated by about60–100 km from each other. Towers of 9 m height with instruments at four levels wereinstalled at sites that are agricultural fields and characterized with a variety of soilproperties, vegetation and diverse crops. An overview of the experiment is presented.Some results, such as the seasonal variation of surface energy balance and turbulence statistics,are discussed.

Influence of tillage and residue management on growth and yield of cotton grown on a vertisol over 5 years in a semi-arid region of India

Inherent poor soil fertility is one of the factors responsible for the low productivity of rainfed cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum) grown on the vertisols of the Indian sub-continent. A conservation tillage system such as reduced tillage (RT) is one approach to improve soil conditions. Field studies were conducted over 5 years to evaluate RT systems and determine the effects of retaining cotton crop residues on growth and yield of cotton. Results indicated that the RT systems (RT1: two inter-row cultivations and RT2 with no inter-row cultivation) gave significantly greater seed cotton than the conventional tillage (CT) in the first 3 years. In the later 2 years, the differences were not significant. However, yield decline was noticed in RT2 where there was no soil disturbance due to the increased build up of dicot weeds. The effect of crop residue on seed cotton yield was significant in 1998–1999 and 2000–2001. Leaf amended (R1) and leaf+stalk amended (R3) yields were equal to the control (R0). Stalk alone amended (R2) plots had the least seed cotton yield. The RT plots, generally had greater plant dry matter and yield attributes (number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant) than CT plots during the first 3 years, which contributed to significant yield differences between RT and CT plots. Residue amended plots had significantly greater SOC than the control. Eliminating complete soil disturbance, as in RT2, may not be a viable option, because of increased weed density, especially dicot weeds. The RT1 comprising pre-plant herbicide application and one pass of harrow, and two inter-row cultivation for early season and late season weed control, respectively, is a viable option to cotton growers of the semi-arid tropics of India.

Production Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Malpura and Mutton Synthetic Lambs Fed Low and High Energy Rations in a Semiarid Region of India

Forty eight lambs (24 each of Malpura and Mutton synthetic breeds) were weaned at 90 days of age and divided into two groups. One group of 12 lambs from each of the two breeds was maintained on low energy (52% TDN) and the other group of 12 on high energy (58% TDN) feedlot ration until 6 of the lambs attained 20 kg and the other 6 attained 25 kg live weight in each of the two groups. Daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. Conventional metabolism trials were conducted on the two breeds and the two rations. The growth rate was found to be higher for lambs on high energy ration (p<0.01). The growth rate was also higher for higher target weight groups (p<0.01). The breed did not significantly affect the live weight gains. Mutton synthetic lambs required less number of days to reach 20 kg live weights but took more time to reach 25 kg target weight as compared to Malpura lambs (p<0.01). The lambs of both the breeds reached 25 kg live weight earlier on high energy than those on low energy ration (p<0.01). The dry matter intake, irrespective of breed, was significantly higher (4.57% or 93.4 g per kgW 0.75 ) on low energy than that on high energy ration (4.20% or 87.2 g per kg W 0.75 ). The digestibility coefficients of all the nutrients excepting crude fibre were significantly higher on high energy diet irrespective of the breed. Lambs on low energy ration, however, digested the crude fibre more than those on the high energy ration (p<0.05). Although there were no significant differences in the intakes of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus, the balance of nitrogen was higher on high energy ration. The DCP and TDN values were 9.70 and 52.76% for low energy and 9.89 and 57.68 % for high energy ration, respectively. The dressing percentages on live weight basis were 50.2 on low and 51.6 on high energy ration, 50.5 at 20kg and 51.3 at 25 kg slaughter weight and 51.0 in Malpura and 50.8 in Mutton synthetic lambs, respectively. The percent of bones in the carcass was higher on low energy ration in Mutton synthetic lambs at 20 kg slaughter weight than others. It was concluded that the performance of the lambs in respect of mutton production was significantly better on high energy ration fed upto 25 kg slaughter weight with no or little breed differences. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 5 : 655-659)

Integrated watershed approach for combating drought in a semi-arid region of India: the case of Jhabua watershed

The integrated watershed management approach for the semi-arid regions of India is considered to be very important due to the inadequate availability of water resources. The drought experienced in recent years has brought on an environmental and socio-economic crisis in these regions. The role of the watershed management has been crucial and development of alternative water resources has been critically important. To overcome the isolated sectoral development planning and implementation, as was done in many of the previous land based programs in India, an integrated concept of watershed development through participatory planning and actions has been followed for combating drought in Jhabua watershed in Madhya Pradesh state, India. This research paper will look into the successful watershed management experience of our on-going research project, and appropriate watershed strategies for the Jhabua watershed.

Soil organic matter and biological properties after 26 years of maize–wheat–cowpea cropping as affected by manure and fertilization in a Cambisol in semiarid region of India

Balance application of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments greatly influence the accumulation of organic matter in soil and also the soil microbial activities. An investigation was carried out to study the changes in soil organic matter and biological properties as affected by long-term application of manure and fertilizers in maize ( Zea mays)–wheat ( Triticum aestivum)–cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata) cropping system in a Cambisol in semi-arid region of India. The crop yield, soil organic C and total N and mineralizable C and N increased with the application of inorganic fertilizers. However, there was greater increase of these parameters when manure was applied along with inorganic fertilizers. Soil microbial biomass C was increased from 122 mg kg −1 in unfertilized treatments to 331 mg kg −1 in soil amended with 100% NPK+manure. The dehydrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase activities closely followed the soil organic carbon content and increased significantly with the addition of balanced nutrients and manure. The results indicated that soil organic matter content and soil microbial activities, vital for the nutrient turnover and long-term productivity of the soil, are enhanced by balanced application of nutrients and manure.

Towards improved performance of irrigation tanks in semi-arid regions of India: modernization opportunities and challenges

In the semi-arid regions of India there are around 120,000small-scale tanks, irrigating about 4.12 million ha. In manyareas, the tank storage structure is the only water source tostore rainwater and help farmers through crop growing periodand provide stability to agricultural production. Theunderdevelopment, stagnation and even decline of paddyagriculture during recent years in this region are usuallyattributed to the constraints in tank water supply. Whateverthe shortcoming at their creation, existing irrigation tanksremain an asset to the sustainability of irrigatedagriculture. The objective of this paper is to bring out thechallenges and opportunities towards improved performance ofirrigation tanks in semi-arid regions of India throughintegrated modernization. The performance of various types ofsmall scale irrigation tanks are evaluated for their role incrop production development strategies. The short-termstrategies include on farm development works throughmodernization of existing irrigation facilities/structures andconjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources. Thelong term challenges consist of establishing water gridsconnecting these modernized tanks in a chain to mitigatedrought and flood at local level as well as encouraging thefarmer's participation in planning and management of theseirrigation facilities for sustaining agriculture. It was foundthat evolving comprehensive but integrated modernizationstrategies for the tanks is a complex task, due to the dynamicinteractions of water.

VARIATION AND INTERRELATIONS AMONG TREE CHARACTERS, POD-SEED MORPHOLOGY AND POD BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERS IN PROSOPIS JULIFLORA (SW) DC.

SUMMARY Two species of Prosopis—P. cineraria and P. puliflora are found in the Indian sub-continent. The first named is indigenous, while the latter was introduced around 130 years ago. P. juliflora or ‘vilayati babool’ in Hindi or ‘mesquite’ in English showed its promise soon after introduction and, due to its wide ecological tolerance and ability to colonise severe sites, mesquite has spread throughout the tropical arid and semi-arid regions of India. These regions account for 40 percent of the country's land surface. During the past few years P. juliflora has been described as a disaster by some critics, despite the fact that it provides the firewood needs of more than 80 percent of the population in rural areas of the tropical arid and semi-arid regions, and also provides nutritious pods for livestock. 44 potential plus trees were selected from a wide range of sites in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujrat states in order to study variation in tree growth, pod and seed morphology and pod pulp biochemical features. All the characters studied showed large variation. It is believed that mesquite can be improved by appropriate breeding methods and a short account is given of the work required on this species.