Hot desert rangelands in India, vital for livestock-based economies, offer significant potential as grazing resources despite challenges like degradation and overgrazingOvergrazing. Covering extensive areas, these ecosystems support 50% of global livestock and store substantial carbon, contributing to ecological and socio-economic sustainabilitySustainability. In RajasthanRajasthan, rangelands sustain traditional pastoralismPastoralism, critical for rural livelihoodsRural livelihoods, but face pressures from excessive grazing (1.02 ACU/ha against a desirable 0.2 ACU/ha), wind erosionWind erosion, and land conversion to agriculture. Native species like CenchrusCenchrus setigerus and Lasiurus sindicusLasiurus sindicus provide nutritious forage, enhancing livestock productivity. Silvopastoral systemsSilvopastoral systems integrating shrubs like Ziziphus nummulariaZiziphus nummularia improve soil stability and fodderFodder availability. Management strategies, including rotational grazingRotational grazing, reseeding, and water harvestingWater harvesting, mitigate degradation and boost carrying capacity. Research highlights the role of halophytesHalophytes and indigenous shrubs in restoring rangelands and supporting droughtDrought resilience. Policy support for sustainable practices, community involvement, and rehabilitation of degraded lands is essential to enhance forage production and economic stability. These efforts ensure rangelands remain a cornerstone for food securityFood security and livelihoodsLivelihoods in arid regionsArid regions, balancing ecological healthEcological health with economic viability.