Rajasthan Set to Become Fennel Production Hub
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic | Fennel Production in Rajasthan |
| Why in News? | Four desert districts in Rajasthan set to emerge as fennel production hubs after a three-year study. |
| Study Districts | Bikaner, Nagaur, Churu, and Barmer |
| Fennel Classification | Foeniculum vulgare - a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. |
| Leading States | Rajasthan and Gujarat contribute 96% of India's total fennel production. |
| Major Cultivation in Rajasthan | Nagaur district covers 10,000 hectares; also cultivated in Sirohi, Jodhpur, Jalore, Bharatpur, and Sawai Madhopur. |
| Study Findings | Trials measured yield and salt tolerance; RF-290 fennel variety found viable for saline water irrigation. |
| Irrigation Method | Drip irrigation with saline water could expand fennel production area and increase productivity. |
| Yield | Experimental irrigation produced about 9 quintals of fennel per hectare. |