Shyamsunder Jyani, a sociologist from Bikaner proved the plant scientists wrong with his consistent efforts and diligence. Jyani, who teaches sociology at the Government Dungar College has devoted 10 years of his life to the ‘Familial Forestry Movement’ in Bikaner and Ganganagar. Both these districts are the hottest and driest of all Indian districts. Regardless of the drastic climatic conditions prevailing in these regions, Jyani breathed life into the barren lands of Rajasthan.
Today, the deserts of Rajasthan are blooming with 2-metre tall bushes (Zyzyphus nummularia), thanks to the efforts of this 37-year-old sociologist. The lush, green cover soon spread across the deserts, proving the plant scientists wrong, who claimed that nothing could grow in Thar desert. Seeing Jyani’s intense efforts, the President of India awarded him with an award in 2012.
This is how Jyani achieved the impossible in life.
From Wasteland to Forest: How the Deserts of Rajasthan Transformed under Jyani’s Magic Touch
The dark pink ‘Ber’ is an indigenous fruit of Rajasthan. We’ve often seen roadside vendors selling these sweet and sour fruits with salt and spices in Jaipur and other cities. The juicy pulp and tempting black colour make it totally edible.
Science says that the bush can’t be grown by vegetative propagation. The fruit has epidermal tissue attached to the rootstock that contributes to increased fruit production whereas the stems and pedicels are too narrow that causes bottleneck effect. According to this phenomenon, the narrow base and pointed fruit top make it impossible to propagate plants through vegetative propagation.
However, it didn’t discourage Jyani from putting in efforts. In 2010, he went ahead and attempted to grow new bushes using vegetative propagation on his friend Rameshwar Lal’s land. It’s shocking, but true that soon, the fields were covered with rich harvest of Lasuda, Ber and Khejri (all wild varieties of ber).
Thus, Jyani not only defied scientific theories but also proved that one always gets sweet fruits of his labour.
