Khejri: The Desert's Lifeline, A 200-Year-Old Tree Sustaining Life in Arid Lands

• Khejri, also known as 'Basil of the Desert', is a 200-year-old tree crucial for Rajasthan's arid regions, thriving on minimal water and unaffected by termites.
• It supports the entire ecosystem by not harming surrounding plants and aiding their growth, making farmers protect it in their fields.
• Beyond its ecological benefits, Khejri holds deep religious and cultural significance in Rajasthan, worshipped as a deity and used in sacred rituals.
• Scientifically, Prosopis cineraria minimizes water loss due to thorny leaves and has deep roots to access groundwater, benefiting crops grown nearby.
• Its roots fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility, while its leaves provide fodder and organic fertilizer, supporting both humans and wildlife.

Why It Matters: Khejri is a vital, resilient tree in Rajasthan's desert, offering ecological, cultural, and scientific benefits.