Plantago ovata (Isabgol) is a commercially important medicinal crop grown in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, where soil infertility, water scarcity, and abiotic stress conditions significantly limit its productivity. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tol-erance. PGPR, including species like Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Azospirillum, improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of phytohormones like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Additionally, they enhance osmotic balance and antioxidant defense mechanisms, helping P. ovata withstand drought and salinity stress. In Rajasthan’s challenging agro-climatic conditions, PGPR applications have shown improved seed germination, root de-velopment, and biomass accumulation while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, these microbes promote systemic resistance against soil-borne pathogens, ensuring better crop health. Integrating PGPR into sustainable agricultural practices can significantly enhance Plantago ovata cultivation in Rajasthan by improving soil microbial di-versity, nutrient efficiency, and stress resilience. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the need for climate-resilient agriculture in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Further research and field trials are essential to optimize PGPR consortia for large-scale application, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and enhanced economic returns for farmers in Rajasthan.

Plantago Ovata, Agricultural Sustainability, Farmers