The Ker and Sangri, popularly known as the "desert berry," which is an essential fruit staple in Rajasthan, is facing a grave threat due to unusual weather patterns that experts believe are linked to climate change. The fruit grows on the Khejri tree, which is considered a lifeline of the desert due to its ability to grow in arid conditions and its nutritional value. However, this year's atypical rainfall in Rajasthan has adversely affected the growth of the Khejri tree and, consequently, the desert berry.
In the western districts of Rajasthan, the recorded rainfall from March to May was 39.4 mm, significantly exceeding the normal average of 13.8 mm. The uncharacteristically cool temperature in March, which was 3 degrees Celsius below normal, has further hampered the growth of the Khejri tree and its associated fruit. The increased moisture in the air, combined with the unusual rain, has facilitated the growth of fungus and pests, leading to infections in the Khejri tree. These infections have affected the bark and spread to the leaves and shoots. Sangri, the fruit of the Khejri tree, is typically harvested in April and May and can be stored for an entire year. However, due to the onslaught of pests and fungus, this year's Sangri growth has plummeted by 60–70%. Normally, the scorching heat would eliminate these threats, but the cooler temperature allowed them to flourish. MR Baloch, the director of Arid Research Zone in Jodhpur, highlights the significant impact of unusual rainfall and climate change on the decline of the desert berry.
The combination of Sangri and Ker (the desert berry) forms a crucial dish in Rajasthani cuisine and is a dietary staple for desert communities. Traditionally, the fruits are soaked in buttermilk overnight and then stir-fried with spices in mustard oil. However, this year, the scarcity of the desert berry has resulted in its removal from menus in Rajasthan restaurants. The price of the fruit has also surged due to limited supply. Farmers who used to earn additional income by collecting and selling the fruit from Khejri trees in the market are also facing disappointment. Mool Singh, a farmer from Shergarh in Jodhpur, shares that none of the approximately 15,000 trees in his village are bearing fruit this year. Previously, they could sell the fruit for ₹700 per kilogram, providing them with extra earnings.
In conclusion, climate change-induced weather anomalies, including unusual rainfall and cooler temperatures, have severely affected the growth of the Khejri tree and the availability of the desert berry in Rajasthan. The increased moisture and the resulting infections from pests and fungus have significantly impacted the fruit's yield, causing shortages in the market and leading to higher prices. As a result, this beloved ingredient has disappeared from menus in local restaurants, affecting both culinary traditions and the livelihoods of farmers dependent on its cultivation.
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