Arid horticulture: Present scenario and way forward

Despite the fact that arid regions faces various abiotic stresses such as high temperature, high wind velocity, low and variable precipitation, salinity, frost, low fertility of soil, etc. has marked strengths such as vast land resources, low humidity, low incidence of pest and diseases, irrigation facility due to introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal project, surplus family labour, etc. which makes this region as an ideal home for cultivation of arid horticultural crops. the present chapter addresses the various issues related to cultivation of arid horticultural crops and their utilization for improving livelihood and nutritional security of the inhabitants of this region. the article also highlights the future strategies to be adopted for improvement of horticultural scenario in arid and semi arid regions to make it horticulture bowl of the country.