How Cactus Farming Can Help Reduce Nation’s Fuel Import Load

A meeting on 'Cactus Plantation and its Economic Usage' was convened by Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh, in New Delhi on December 8. The matter of the rehabilitation of degraded lands was discussed at this meeting. In India, 30% of land has become degraded. Solutions were sought for utilizing such land in the best possible way. The planting of diverse plants is one measure that helps with the regeneration of degraded environments. Singh advised researchers to look at alternate options for developing cactus plantations on degraded land in order to realize the benefits of their use in the production of biofuel, food, fodder, and bio-fertilizer for the benefit of the country. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Rural Development, a pilot project is being established at the Amlaha Farm of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Land Areas (ICARDA) in Madhya Pradesh with assistance from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and ICARDA. For this initiative, the Ministry of Petroleum has been asked to provide the necessary technical assistance. The Minister thinks that the nation's fuel import load will be reduced through the production of biofuels, in addition to helping to support the poor farmers in these areas by generating income and jobs for them.

Cactus Pear Is A Miracle Crop In Dry Regions

The areas that are most affected by climate change face drought conditions and prickly pear cactus has come to the rescue of people as they help to alleviate hunger in dry regions due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its multiple uses. On Friday, a book on the prickly pear cactus plant was launched. Experts said that as climate change brings erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, countries should look to the cactus pear, which can grow in desert-like conditions. They said that its fruits and balloon shaped pads are food for humans and animals. The book states that the seeds, fruits, and stem have high levels of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, hence it can be consumed as a highly nutritious food. Cactus pear plantations not only act as water reserve but also absorb carbon dioxide in arid and semi-arid regions. Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, Jordan, Morocco and India are a few countries where the plant is cultivated. Jose Dubeux Jr., an associate professor at the University of Florida, said the cactus's high water content was ideal for animal consumption in dry areas and could help conserve scarce water sources for humans. Another advantage of this plant is that it is easy to grow and takes roots from whatever it is that touches the soil.