About Centre
The main object of the institute (CAZRI) was to find ways and means to control the spreading of desert in Rajasthan which occupies 61% of the total desert area of the whole country and is known as THAR DESERT of INDIA. The major area of this region has been divided in two parts known as Arid and Semi Arid Areas of rajasthan.
Low and erratic precipitation, frequent droughts, intense radiation, occurrence of frost and dust storms, poor soil conditions, limited water for humans, livestock and irrigation, soil erosion, low plant productivity, inadequate exposure to modern farming technologies, etc., are of common constrains of this region. These conditions have created specific Environmental, Biotic and socio Economic problems for the region. But on the other hand this area is full of natural resources like plenty of sunshine, possibilities of agriculture production and dry farming after sand dune stabilization and completion of Indira Gandhi Canal Project. These factors drew the attention of the policy makers in department of Environment to establishment a "Distributed Information Center" on Desertification at CAZRI" under "Environmental Information System" (ENVIS) keeping in view the above facts.
Input and Output
Under the network system of ENVIS the DIC established at CAZRI will keep constant and active relations with international, National and Regional Agencies engaged in desertification Research in India and abroad. In addition to this other resources for storing the data at CAZRI, DIC is utilizing internet facilities, reprographic methods and other necessary aids. For dissemination of stored information many services viz. Documentation, Indexing and Abstracting and Photocopying Services are being provided. Besides this, news Letters, list, Bibliographies and Bulletins are being brought out. Apart from this the short queries are being answered on phone and packages of information is being furnished to the visiting persons. A lab information to adopters services will be initiated for the progressive farmers in near future.
Desertification Day
17 June (World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought)