Techniques of orchard establishment in arid and semi-arid regions

Orchard establishment is a long term investment, so careful planning and proper techniques of planting are prerequisites. There are two ways of orchards arranged i.e., traditional and modern or high density planting. In arid and semi arid conditions its more matter in context of location/site, crops & its varieties selection as well as techniques of planting and after care over other climatic regions. This region mostly having fragile ecosystem (unpredictable weather, limited and erratic rainfall) and poor in soil organic matter and available nutrients as well as other conditions for normal growth and development of the plant. Most suitable arid fruit crops are ber, ker, lasoda, pomegranate, fig, date palm, karonda, phalsa etc or  having xerophytic adaptation, similarly semi-arid region potential crops are sweet orange, lime, jamun, khirni, bael, guava, aonla, custard apple, tamarind, mahua, chironji etc or possessing  phonological adjustment (critical growth stage completion in optimum moisture available season).    Apart from adaptations proper care and management techniques are require for sustainable/ potential production of these fruit crops in this region.