Abstract: The Churu district of Rajasthan lies within the arid zone of the Thar Desert, where medicinal plants have historically played a critical role in rural healthcare systems, regional economies, and cultural practices. Despite low rainfall and extreme climatic variation, the district supports a diverse range of xerophytic, halophytic, and drought-tolerant medicinal species. This study investigates the geo-economic structure of medicinal plant trade networks in Churu, focusing on collection, processing, storage, pricing, transportation, and market linkages. Through field surveys, interviews with traders, pansaris, farmers, folk healers, and intermediaries, as well as analysis of trade flows, this research reveals the existence of informal yet resilient economic networks connected with regional markets such as Jaipur, Hisar, Bikaner, Delhi, and Gujarat. Key medicinal species—including Commiphora wightii (Guggul), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Capparis decidua (Kair), Tecomella undulata (Rohida), and Salvadora persica (Pilu)—play a significant role in trade volume and household income generation. However, factors such as overharvesting, climate stress, shifting livelihood patterns, and weak regulation threaten the long-term sustainability of this economic system. The study concludes that promoting structured value chains, community-based collection rights, and market-supported conservation strategies can enhance livelihood resilience while protecting endangered flora.

Abstract: Pansari practices involving Jadi Buti (medicinal plants) have historically been central to healthcare in Rajasthan. This study examines the modern challenges faced by Pansaris and the adaptation strategies they employ to sustain their traditional practices. Ethnobotanical surveys, structured interviews with 55 Pansaris, and observations of herbal markets were conducted in Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, and Churu districts. Findings reveal that modernization, urbanization, and increased reliance on allopathic medicine have created challenges, including declining plant availability, knowledge erosion, and reduced youth engagement. Despite these challenges, Pansaris continue to adapt by incorporating new plant species, modifying preparation methods, and engaging in commercial herbal trade. Recommendations focus on documentation, education, sustainable harvesting, and integration with modern healthcare to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these practices.

Abstract: Sikar district of Rajasthan, is renowned for its rich heritage of traditional medicinal knowledge and the domestication of medicinal plants in households, farms, and community spaces. This study explores the applied use of domesticated medicinal plants in modern times, documenting species, preparation methods, and contemporary applications. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 120 households, 18 local pansaris, and 12 herbal vendors. Key domesticated species included Tulsi, Aloe vera, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Neem, Harad, Mulethi, and Amla. Findings indicate that traditional knowledge continues to be relevant, supporting cultural identity, primary healthcare, and biodiversity conservation, while adapting to modern lifestyles.

Abstract: Water-borne diseases remain a persistent public health challenge in the agricultural villages of the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. The scarcity of fresh water, overdependence on traditional water storage methods, and poor sanitation practices enhance the vulnerability of rural communities. This study investigates the epidemiology, spatial distribution, seasonal variation, and socio-environmental determinants of water-borne diseases—including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis-A, and gastroenteritis—across selected villages in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur districts. Using a mixed-method approach consisting of household surveys (n=450), interviews with healthcare workers, and water-quality testing, the study identifies contamination sources, high-risk groups, and peak incidence periods. Results reveal a significantly higher prevalence during summer and monsoon seasons, with children under five and women most affected. The study provides actionable recommendations to improve water safety, sanitation infrastructure, and community health awareness.

Abstract: Traditional animal-based medicinal practices form an important component of Rajasthan’s ethno-medical heritage, particularly in rural, pastoral, and tribal communities. These practices, collectively known as zootherapy, involve the use of animal products such as fat, milk, bones, horns, skin, and secretions for treating a wide range of ailments including respiratory infections, bone fractures, skin diseases, digestive disorders, and reproductive health problems. This study provides a comprehensive review of animal-based remedies used in Rajasthan, examining their cultural significance, species involved, preparation and application methods, pharmacological properties, and associated conservation implications. Data were compiled through secondary sources, ethnographic studies, zoological literature, and classical texts published before 2018. The results show that more than 40 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fishes are traditionally used in ethnomedicine across Rajasthan’s ecological regions including the Thar Desert, Aravalli Hills, and the tribal belts of Mewar and Vagad. While many remedies demonstrate pharmacological potential—such as camel milk for autoimmune disorders, peacock feathers for respiratory issues, and tortoise shell ash for skin diseases—unsustainable extraction poses risks to biodiversity. The paper highlights the need for scientific validation, ethical regulation, conservation awareness, and integration of valuable zootherapeutic knowledge into modern health systems.

Abstract: Dust-prone zones of Rajasthan, particularly the districts of Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, and parts of Nagaur, face a disproportionately high burden of respiratory diseases due to arid climatic conditions, sandy soils, frequent dust storms, and anthropogenic dust generated from unpaved roads and agriculture. This study investigates the incidence, spatial patterns, and determinants of respiratory diseases using medical geographical methods. The research integrates district-level health records, environmental data, to examine the distribution of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and acute respiratory infections. The analysis reveals a strong correlation between dust storm frequency, particulate matter levels, and respiratory morbidity. The study also finds that rural habitations located near open fields, sand dunes, and degraded grazing lands exhibit higher disease incidence. Spatial patterns show clustering of cases in northern and western Rajasthan. The research concludes that respiratory diseases in dust-prone regions are primarily influenced by climatic aridity, soil instability, land degradation, and lack of preventive health infrastructure. Recommendations focus on dust mitigation, environmental rehabilitation, and improved public health strategies.

Abstract: Jaisalmer district is an extremely arid desert region of India where a deep and interdependent relationship exists between ecology and livelihoods. Water scarcity, erratic rainfall, desert vegetation, a livestock-based economy, mineral resources, and the tourism industry shape the livelihood structure of Jaisalmer. This research paper presents a geographical study of the impact of ecological conditions—such as climate, vegetation, fauna, land use, natural resources, and traditional knowledge—on local livelihood systems in Jaisalmer district. The study reveals that the district's livelihoods are primarily based on livestock rearing, rain-fed agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, mining, and traditional Thar knowledge. Ecological constraints have compelled local communities to develop unique adaptation strategies, such as the Khadin system, nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralism, traditional water harvesting, collection of forest products, and water-conservation-based rural livelihoods. The paper also finds that climate change, uncontrolled tourism, mining pressure, desertification, and imbalances in grazing pressure are creating new challenges for local livelihoods. Finally, the study provides appropriate suggestions for promoting ecologically sound management, a water-based economy, sustainable tourism, and nature-based livelihoods.

Abstract: Sri Ganganagar district is a leading agricultural region in Rajasthan, India, with an agricultural system primarily dependent on canal-based irrigation. Over the past two decades, the impacts of climate change have become clearly evident in this region—including rising average temperatures, erratic rainfall, increased intensity of hot winds, shorter winters, fluctuations in frost events, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events (heatwaves, dust storms). These changes have directly affected the productivity of major crops such as wheat, cotton, mustard, guar, and groundnut. This research paper presents a comprehensive geographical assessment of climate change indicators, changes in cropping patterns, productivity fluctuations, farmers' perceptions, agricultural risks, and adaptation strategies. The study utilizes climate data, agricultural yield data, farmer surveys, and secondary literature from the period 2000–2023. The results indicate that a 1.2–1.8°C increase in temperature and rainfall variability have had a more adverse impact on summer crops (Kharif), while Rabi crops have also experienced a decline. Changes in crop duration, increased water requirements, pest outbreaks, and rising production costs were identified as significant factors. The study concludes that scientific management, improved water use efficiency, climate-resilient crops, crop insurance awareness, and technological interventions are crucial for the future.