Paper Title
SYZYGIUM CUMINI–AN INDIGENOUS INDIAN VALUE FRUIT FOR ARID AREAS

Abstract
Jamun (Syzygium cumini),is a versatile fruit tree species of Indiathat has wide geographical distribution. In India fruit is significant for its cultural, mythological, nutritional and medicinal importance. Fruit hasa valuable place in Ayurveda medicine. The nutritive therapeutic potential of Jamun has been long recognizedfor its diverse food and pharmacological applications as reported in the literature. Some ethnic and GI tagged products exported from India by APEDA include Jamun. Apart from A- grade fresh fruits, various value productssuch as natural dehydrated jamun, dry jamun fruit, frozen jamun whole fruit, frozen jamun pitted fruit, frozen slices, jamun pulp, Jamun pulp powder,jamun seed powder,Jam, Jelly, squash, wine, vinegaretc. are different forms being exported from India. Fruit tree is most appropriatefor cultivation and commercial exploitation in Aridsemi-arid regions of India. In rural areas, fruit contributes to household food security, poverty alleviation and economic upliftment of poor.The consistent increase in demand for jamun, is evident. Fruits are sold for Rs. 600- 800 per kg in the cities mainly because of its medicinal value, believed to be a boon for diabetic patients.The seed powder is more significant for treating diabetes, whichis sold at Rs. 900 per kg. Jamun fruit is adaptable to wide range of edaphoclimates, drought,heavy rainfall or floods,calcareous, marshysaline, sodic, areasand pH as high as 10.5. Due to its vast adaptability, ease of cultivation with least maintenance and inputs, fruit can be exploited for commercial cultivation for wastelands development and dry-land Horticulture. According to recent research technologies and varieties of Jamun released by CIAH Bikaner,it is provedthat High-density plantion in jamun (Cv. Goma Priyanka) benefitting farmers by doublingthe farmers’ income. Keywords - Arid, Export, Indigenous, Jamun, Value products