Thar Desert has great diversity in vegetation. As many as 700 species of plants are found in the area, of which 107 are of grass alone. These plants are deep-rooted and tenacious enough to withstand extended droughts and yet efficient enough to gain biomass rapidly during a favorable season. The local grasses are generally prolific seeders, and most of the species are palatable, fairly nutritious and rich in minerals, including trace elements.

The Thar Desert endowed with some of the best breeds of livestock in the country. Nearly 50 per cent of the country's wool is produced in Rajasthan, and the area has been the main supplier of bullocks to the North.

By and large, land-use in the Thar is dependent on rainfall. In good rainfall years, large areas are cropped, cattle thrive on extensive pastures and substantial amounts of hay are stored for future use.

Rainwater is stored in ponds and underground tanks. As rainfall is very erratic, a pattern of mixed farming has been developed in which human and animal populations benefit from each other.

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