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🌡 Spineless Cactus Plantation Approved Under PMKSY 2.0

In a significant move toward climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, the Jharkhand Cabinet, under the leadership of CM Hemant Soren, has approved the plantation of Spineless Cactus under the PMKSY 2.0 scheme. This non-financial MoU involving four national agricultural research institutions marks a paradigm shift in water conservation and green farming initiatives in drought-prone areas.

🌡 What Is Spineless Cactus and Why It Matters

The Spineless Cactus, commonly known as prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), is a drought-tolerant plant with vast potential across food, fodder, biofuel, and bioproduct sectors. Known as the “Queen of Cacti,” this plant can flourish in harsh arid conditions where conventional crops fail, providing both ecological and economic benefits.

On 11 July 2025, the Jharkhand Cabinet approved the inclusion of Spineless Cactus Plantation under the WDC-PMKSY 2.0. This includes signing non-financial MoUs with four institutions for technical support. The move aims to foster water conservation, green agriculture, and livelihood improvement in low-irrigation regions of Jharkhand.

βœ… Points to Remember:

  • Initiative under Watershed Development Component

  • Promotes green cover in drought zones

  • Offers alternative income to farmers

  • Technical collaboration with four expert institutions

  • Supports water retention and ecological balance

🌾 Agronomic Benefits and Sustainability

Spineless cactus thrives in semi-arid and arid environments, needs minimal water, and can reclaim degraded land. Key agronomic advantages include:

  • Grows in poor soil conditions with low fertility

  • Requires 6+ hours of sunlight

  • Adaptable to pH 6.0–7.5

  • Demonstrates high biomass yield (8-10 kg per plant/year)

Its deep root system also prevents soil erosion and aids in carbon sequestration, making it vital in the fight against climate change.

πŸ’Ό Economic Prospects: Income, Biofuel, and Bio-Leather

ICARDA and its Indian partners have unlocked multiple commercial avenues:

  • Biofuel: Produces biogas with 61% methane

  • Bio-leather: 3kg cactus = 3.38 sq.ft leather, enough for 2 shoes, 3 bags, or 2 chappals

  • Fodder: Can replace 25% of regular green fodder

  • Food Products: Fruit and cladodes are rich in nutrients

  • Carbon Credits & Biofertilizer

With such a diverse value chain, cactus farming could drastically boost farmer income and entrepreneurial ventures in Jharkhand.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸŒΎ How to Cultivate Spineless Cactus

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Site Selection: Sunny, well-drained sandy soil

  2. Land Prep: Weed removal, tilling for aeration

  3. Planting: Use mature cladodes; space at 2m Γ— 1m

  4. Irrigation: Minimal watering post-planting; 1-2L/plant every 15 days

  5. Fertilization:kg farmyard manure + soil testing-based nutrients

  6. Harvest: First harvest in one year; fruits in late spring

  7. Pests: Monitor for scale insects and fungal issues

How to Source Planting Material:

  • ICARDA

  • IGFRI (Jhansi)

  • CAZRI (Jodhpur)

  • BAIF (Maharashtra)

πŸ“Š Cost-Benefit Analysis and Institutional Support

According to ICARDA and CIAH research:

  • Break-even in 3–4 years

  • Earnings of β‚Ή500–₹600 per sq.m of greenhouse area

  • Benefit-Cost Ratio: 3:1

Government and institutional collaborations are driving:

  • Farmer workshops

  • Technology transfer

  • Market linkage programs

Jharkhand hosted its first cactus workshop in 2023, showing significant stakeholder interest, including from scientists, government officials, and the private sector.

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