SABC initiated Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGV) in western parts of Rajasthan
The South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), based in Jodhpur, has launched the Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI) in association with Adarsh Guar Gum Udyog — a leading processor and exporter based in Barmer, Rajasthan — and various Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state.
The initiative is currently funded by Adarsh Guar Gum Udyog, which plans to procure 1,200 tonnes of sustainably grown guar crop directly from farm-gates.
SABC has initially set a two-year target for the SGI, involving 480 farmers directly and reaching an additional 2,600 farmers indirectly across the Jodhpur and Barmer regions of Rajasthan
The initiative aims to improve the package of practices, primarily focusing on sustainable pest and disease management. This will help farmers reduce production costs, enhance crop quality, enable on-farm procurement, and ultimately offer premium pricing for their produce.
Guar and its usage
India accounts for 90% of the world’s guar production, with Rajasthan contributing 88% of the country’s total output, followed by Haryana and Gujarat. Guar is primarily cultivated for guar gum extraction, and its byproducts have various applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
Highly refined guar gum is used as a stabilizer in ice creams and cheese, and also serves as a meat binder. It is used as an emulsifier in shale oil and gas exploration, and as a thickening agent in the food industry. Last year, guar gum exports reached 4.2 lakh tonnes, valued at $541 million.
