This book offers an in-depth exploration of the Thar Desert, one of India's most unique and challenging arid environments. It delves into the intricate relationship between the natural environment and human existence within this arid region, focusing on its unique geo-environmental characteristics, the diverse communities inhabiting the region, and the developmental challenges and opportunities faced by the people and the environment. It also covers the spatial attributes of all the phenomena related to the environment, including the various biomes and human influences, patterns of biodiversity, and the spatial pattern of physical and anthropogenic degradation of the environment, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change, desertification, and urbanization. By bringing together insights from geography, environmental science, ecology, and sustainable development, this book will serve as both a scientific reference and an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the geo-environmental complexities of the Thar Desert.
1. Hot Desert of India: An Introduction.- 2-An Overview of Geology of
Western Rajasthan, India.- 3-Soils of Hot Arid Zone: Characterization,
distribution and management.- 4-Natural Resources Management or Sustaining
Productivity of Hot Arid Zone of India.- 5-Optimal Resource Utilization in
Arid Zone of Rajasthan and its impact on agricultural economy: A Synthesis.-
6-Groundwater scenario of Rajasthan : Status and the Management.-
7-Halophyte: an alternative resource of fodder in extreme saline-sodic
ecosystem of hot-arid regions.- 8-Hot Desert Rangelands: Prospective Grazing
land Resources.- 9-Agroforestry: A way forward for doubling farmers income
in arid region.- 10-Organic Farming in the Indian Arid Zone: Present status
and Potential.- 11-Rodent fauna of Great Indian Desert.- 12-Food habits and
nutritional status in rural inhabitants of Thar Desert.- 13-Under-utilised
novel arid vegetables for food and livelihood security in arid ecosystem.-
14-Panchkutta: A traditional food for all times in Marwar region of
Rajasthan.- 15-Value addition of arid land foods.- 16-Insect-pests of arid
fruit crops (Ber, Pomegranate, Date Palm) and their integrated management.-
17-Pearl Millet: Wonder crop of Western Rajasthan.- 18-Prosopis juliflora in
Thar Desert of India: Potential and Threats to the livelihood.- 19-The
potential of agri-voltaic system in Thar desert of India.-
20-Socio-Demographic Structure of Hot Arid Rajasthan Desert, India.-
21-Sustainability farming in rainfed areas: constraints and strategies.-
22-Leveraging Non-Monetary Inputs for Sustainable Crop Production in Arid
Regions.- 23-Sustainable utilization of natural resources of Hot Arid Zone of
India: Challenges and opportunities.- 24-Synthesis and key findings.
Dr. Mahesh K. Gaur is a Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, India. His expertise spans both hot and cold arid environments, with significant experience gained during his tenure (20222024) at CAZRIs Regional Research Station in Leh-Ladakh, where he deepened his understanding of fragile high-altitude cold desert ecosystems.
His core research focuses on aridlands geography, applying satellite remote sensing, GIS, and digital image processing for natural resource mapping, monitoring drought, desertification, land degradation, and integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technology. He has led several high-impact projects sponsored by ICAR, ISRO (NRSC and SAC), UGC, and ICARDA.
