Jodhpur (Patrika English News): Cactus Farming may soon turn barren desert land into a source of income for farmers in Rajasthan. The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, has successfully grown a thornless cactus variety in the Thar desert, and demand for its plants is surging.
So far, CAZRI has received orders for over 40 lakh cactus plants, including 25 lakh from the Jharkhand government and 15 lakh from Jaipur’s Soil and Water Conservation Department.
Research and Results
CAZRI scientist Ramnarayan Kumawat explained that this thornless cactus variety originates from Morocco and Mexico. Research on it has been ongoing at CAZRI for nearly 30 years, and large-scale plantation began in 2019.
The crop is ideally suited for drought-prone or low-fertility areas. On one hectare (approx. 6 bigha), farmers can harvest up to 2,000 kg of green fodder annually. Each cactus pad (leaf) currently sells for ?10–12.
Multiple Uses
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Animal fodder: Provides up to 30% of cattle feed requirements, proven beneficial for breeds like Tharparkar cows. It contains 90% water, along with proteins (7–8%), calcium, and phosphorus, helping reduce livestock’s water intake by 30–40%.
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Food industry: Large hotels use it in salads.
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Vegan leather & cosmetics: Cactus pads can be processed into vegan leather and cosmetic products.
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Fodder output: CAZRI currently produces 30,000–40,000 pads annually.
Cultivation Method
Cactus can be grown even on saline and barren soil, making it ideal for desert conditions. The best plantation period is April to June, requiring watering only twice a month during the initial stage. Around 800 plants can be grown per hectare in a 2×1 meter pattern, with 3-meter spacing left to cultivate other crops during the rainy season.
Rising Demand
Apart from government orders, 10,000 cactus plants were recently supplied to Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Given its versatility in food, fodder, and industry, experts believe cactus cultivation could become a game-changer for farmers battling drought and poor soil in Rajasthan.