Question:

_______ is a valuable fodder tree of Indian desert

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Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is known as the "king of the desert" and is protected by the local Bishnoi community of Rajasthan due to its immense socio-ecological value.
  • Quercus glauca
  • Salix tetrasperma
  • Schleichera oleosa
  • Prosopis cineraria
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation



Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

The choice of agroforestry tree species in arid regions is dictated by their drought tolerance and their capacity to yield high-quality forage (fodder) for livestock during dry seasons.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) is the most valuable multipurpose tree species of the hot Indian desert (Thar desert).
2. It plays a vital role in desert agroforestry because it is a deep-rooted phreatophyte that does not compete with shallow-rooted crops for surface water.
3. Its highly nutritious leaves, locally called "loong," are lopped annually to provide excellent, green, protein-rich forage for sheep, goats, and camels during the dry summer months.
4. The other options are suited to different ecological zones: Quercus glauca (temperate hills), Salix tetrasperma (wetlands/riparian), and Schleichera oleosa (tropical moist/dry deciduous).

Step 3: Final Answer:

The premier fodder tree of the Indian desert is Prosopis cineraria.
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