For most of the HKH arid tract, the species to be seeded must be drought resistant, palatable, and salt tolerant. Among the grasses, Lasiurus sindicus, Cenchrus ciliaris, etc. are recommended for this type of tract. Re-seeding by conventional means is likely to fail in low rainfall areas. Therefore, seeding of grasses coupled with water-harvesting techniques, such as spreading, pitting, contour trenching, and furrowing, is needed for the success of seeding operations. From the existing native vegetation, it is evident that shrubs are capable of withstanding the harshness of the arid climate as well as heavy grazing pressure.
Shrubs provide good forage during winter when grasses disappear or dry up.
Shrubs usually contain more protein than grasses. Certain trees and shrubs possess morphological and physiological elasticity in relation to drought. Fodder shrubs and trees possess a definite potential for resolving climatic, biological, social, and economic constraints encountered in arid and semiarid areas. It is commonly found throughout the countries of the HKH region. It has a highly developed root system, which is excellent for holding soils on a fragile slope.