Lasoda Farming: A Resilient Indigenous Crop for Farmers' Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Growth

Lasoda, botanically known as Cordia myxa L., is an indigenous crop to India with many uses and remarkable adaptability. It thrives across the country's arid and semi-arid regions, including the deserts of Rajasthan, the Rann of Kutch, and the semi-arid areas of Punjab and Gujarat. Beyond India, Cordia myxa is also found in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and various African countries. Known by several local names—Bohari in Bengali, Gunda in Gujarati, Naruvili in Tamil, Naruvari in Malayalam, Naruvari in Telugu, Challihannu in Kannada, Bhokar in Marathi, and Lasoda or Gonda in Hindi—this versatile plant has been a staple in rural communities for centuries.

It is highly valued for its edible fruits, medicinal properties, and durable timber. In an era of climate change, Lasoda’s resilience offers significant promise, providing farmers with a reliable option for diversifying crops and securing income in increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Cultivation and Regional Adaptation

Lasoda covers a large area and is adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, growing well between sea level and 1,500 meters. The drought resistance of this species makes it ideal for arid regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. This tree endures extreme weather conditions with minimal irrigation once established. While it grows on barren and marginal lands, sandy loam soil enriched with organic manure enhances its yield. Rainy seasons are optimal for planting, with one-year-old saplings showing the best results.

Economic Potential of its Farming

Farmers can harness Lasoda's potential to diversify their income streams. Its fruits are harvested for pickles, dried for off-season use, or sold fresh in markets, where immature fruits fetch a good price in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. With an average tree yield of 25-30 kilograms, Lasoda offers consistent returns even under minimal input conditions. Cultivating varieties like Thar Bold and Maru Samridhi ensure higher yields and better fruit quality, suitable for fresh and processing purposes.

Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits

The fruits of Lasodas are full of nutrients, and contain nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It contains phenolic compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties, which include treating respiratory and digestive issues, skin diseases, and fever. The mucilaginous pulp acts as a natural remedy for coughs and bronchitis. Nowadays people are getting into natural remedies and the growing awareness of Lasoda, Its products like dried leaves and fruit extracts are gaining attention in niche markets, which is a good opportunity for financial growth.

Propagation and Maintenance

Growers can propagate Lasoda through seeds or vegetative methods like grafting and T-budding. Seedlings take longer to bear fruit (6-8 years), but vegetative propagation minimizes this duration significantly. Proper training and pruning during the initial years are crucial to develop an open-centered tree shape, allowing better sunlight penetration and air circulation. Minimal care is required for mature trees, making Lasoda a low-maintenance yet profitable choice for agroforestry systems.

Industrial and Other Uses

Lasoda's utility extends beyond agriculture. Its strong wood is used in construction, furniture, and agricultural tools, while its mucilaginous pulp serves as a natural glue. The leaves are excellent fodder, and the plant is often integrated into windbreaks and shelter belts to combat soil erosion. These additional uses increase its value, particularly in semi-arid regions where resource optimization is critical.

Market Value and Export Potential

Lasoda fruits are in high demand for their culinary uses, especially in the production of pickles. The fresh fruit is being sold for INR 180-200/ kg* The dried fruits and powdered bark are sold at premium prices in local and niche markets. With the increasing demand for natural remedies and sustainable products, its market value is set to rise. Its export potential to Middle Eastern and African countries, where it is equally valued, presents an untapped avenue for income generation.

*(Price range can fluctuate according to the season, region, and availability)

Preservation and Promotion

Lasoda is full of benefits and still, it remains an underutilized and under-researched species. Conservation efforts are essential to preserve its genetic diversity and natural populations. For farmers, integrating Lasoda into crop diversification programs offers a sustainable pathway to financial growth. It can boost rural economies and secure agricultural communities against the effects of climate change by utilizing its market potential, nutritional value, and resistance.

Lasoda serves as proof of nature's resourcefulness, as this crop presents solutions for challenges in agriculture while increasing economic resilience. It is grown in continuity with sustainable practices and the promise of a brighter future both for the farmer and the environment. With an investment in this multi-use crop, the agricultural world shall continue to gain financial and ecological rewards for generations.