Cactus Plantation and its Economic Usage

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 1

Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj convened a consultation meeting on ‘Cactus Plantation and its Economic Usage’ today in New Delhi. 

• India has approximately 30% of its geographical area under the category of degraded land.  
• Department of Land Resources DoLR has been mandated to restore degraded lands through its Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY).  
• Plantations of various kinds constitute one of the activities which help in restoration of degraded lands. 
• Various options for taking up Cactus plantation on degraded land should be explored for realising the benefits of its usage for bio-fuel, food, fodder and bio-fertiliser production for the larger benefit of the country.  
• Bio-fuel production will reduce the fuel import burden of the country apart from contributing towards employment and income generation for the poor farmers of these areas.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Land Areas (ICARDA) are being roped in for setting up a pilot project in Amlaha Farm of ICARDA in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Ministry of Petroleum has been requested to provide necessary technical assistance in this venture. 

About the Cactus

• Cactus is a Xerophytic Plant which though grows relatively at a slower pace has an immense potential as stated above.  
• A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae.
• Although some species live in quite humid environments, most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought.
• Many live in extremely dry environments, even being found in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.

• Because of this, cacti show many adaptations to conserve water.
• For example, almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water.
• Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of most cacti where this vital process takes place.

• Most species of cacti have only spines, which are highly modified leaves.
• Spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade.
• In the absence of true leaves, cacti’s enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis.
• Moreover, it will help in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the country as well. 
• The Department is of the view that cactus plantation will be picked up by the farmers of degraded land areas, if the benefits outweigh their existing level of incomes.  
• Experiences of countries like Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Morocco and various others are being explored which will be of great help for realisation of the objective.

Uses

• Cactuses are known for their nutrients as well as their medicinal value.
• Both cactus pads and cactus fruit can help fight infections and ease the symptoms of anything from hangovers to high cholesterol.
• Both the cactus pad and the cactus fruit are high in fiber, which can lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• used as ornamental plants
• used for fodder or forage,
• Cactus fruits in particular are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is one of the best immune boosters.

• Regular doses of vitamin C increase the production of white blood cells, which can make us less likely to catch an illness — and help your body fight off viruses if infected.

• Nutrition: Cactus fruits and pads offer a dose of vitamins and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Question: Write a note on semi arid and arid vegetation of India.