Trees and Orchards

Trees and Orchards

Many parts of Rajasthan have suffered deforestation as the timber has been taken for building construction and fuel. In the absence of trees wind and rain erode the soil and the land becomes more difficult to cultivate.

Wells for India aims to restore the balance by providing the villagers with indigenous trees which have many uses, including:                                                    Provide medicines and pesticides

Prevent soil being carried away by the wind

Leaves make fertilizer

Prevent erosion of soil by water

Protect crops from high winds and dust storms

Provide fuel

Provide food for the home and income generation

Provide shade for people and livestock

 

Neem Tree

This is one of the most valuable trees in Rajasthan

Food: The pulp of the fruit is eaten, the leaves are made into soup and curry with vegetables. Green sprouts and mature leaves are rich in protein, calcium, iron and vitamin A: the fresh sap is nutritious and sometimes made into a drink.

Oil: The seeds are crushed to provide oil which is used for medicinal purposes, as a lubricant, in oil lamps for light and in the making of soap.

Fuel: The wood burns well and makes good charcoal.

Fodder: Twigs and leaves are fed to cattle, goats and camels. Animals fed on Neem are healthy and have a good milk yield.

Fertilizer: Neem ’cake’ is several times richer in nutrients, especially Nitrogen, than farmyard manure.

Medicine: Neem extracts have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. The leaves aid digestion and are effective against intestinal worms. Hot infusion of leaves is used in the treatment of swollen glands, bruised and sprains. The fruit is purgative and is beneficial in treatment of urinary diseases, piles, tumours and toothache. The oil taken internally helps relieve malaria fevers, leprosy and some chronic skin diseases and ulcers. Warm oil relieves ear and dental problems.

Family Orchards

Wells for India supports the planting of family orchards where a range of useful trees provide nutrition and a source of income for the poorest families.

Gunda Tree

A desert plum useful for nutrition and animal fodder.

Trees for Life

For £10 Wells for India can arrange for a tree to be planted in Rajasthan to mark any occasion, for example a birth, birthday, marriage, death or other event involving someone close to you. The donor receives a certificated showing the name of the person and the event.

The people in Rajasthan receive a precious resource to add to the life of the community.

Click for  details

Read a paper by Angela Willis on Trees in Rajasthan