Introduction of Khejri Tree

The Khejri tree, scientifically known as Prosopis cineraria, is a tree that typically reaches a height of 5-25 meters. Its branches are thorned along the internodes, and its small, creamy-yellow flowers are followed by seeds in pods. This tree thrives in extremely arid conditions, enduring as little as 15 cm (5.9 in) of annual rainfall. Its presence often indicates the existence of a deep water table.

Prosopis cineraria serves various purposes, providing wood classified for construction. It is utilized in house-building, primarily as rafters, posts, scantlings, doors, and windows. The wood is also employed in well construction, water pipes, upright posts for Persian wheels, agricultural implements, shafts, spokes, fellows, and cart yokes. Additionally, it finds use in small turning work and tool handles, supporting the wood-based industry for container manufacturing that heavily relies on desert-grown trees.

Highly valued as a fodder tree, Prosopis cineraria is heavily lopped, especially during winter months when other green fodder is scarce in dry tracts. A popular saying suggests that a man with a Prosopis cineraria, a goat, and a camel will not face death, even in a famine, as these three together are believed to sustain a person under the most trying conditions. The forage yield per tree varies, with a full-grown tree expected to produce about 60 kg of green forage when completely lopped, 30 kg when the lower two-thirds of the crown is lopped, and 20 kg when the lower one-third is lopped. The leaves are of high nutritive value, making feeding during winter profitable in rain-fed areas. The sweetish pulp of the pods is also used as fodder for livestock.

Prosopis cineraria is a crucial species for providing nutritious and highly palatable green and dry fodder, meeting the major feed requirements of desert livestock, including camels, cattle, sheep, and goats, locally known as Loong.

Locally referred to as sangar or sangri, the dried pods, known as Kho-Kha, are consumed and form rich animal feed, liked by all livestock. Green pods are also valuable as animal feed, and they can be dried after boiling. Additionally, they are used as famine food and have historical significance dating back to prehistoric times. The bark, despite its astringent bitter taste, was reportedly eaten during severe famines in 1899 and 1939.

Prosopis cineraria wood is known for its high calorific value, providing high-quality fuelwood. The lopped branches are excellent fencing material, and the roots encourage nitrogen fixation, leading to higher crop yields.

In the Devnagri system, the initial cost of a Khejri stands at 15,000 DEV Tokens. Each Khejri tree yields both wood and carbon credit points. As every 10 trees are sold, the selling price increments by 1,000 DEV Tokens. It's worth noting that each Khejri requires a substantial amount of space, occupying nine land plots with a size of 3x3.