From fodder to fashion: How cactus could become ‘green gold’ for farmers

Spineless cactus, often dismissed as a plant thriving in barren landscapes, is being recognized for its potential as a versatile and valuable crop. This drought-tolerant plant is being studied for its capacity to transform degraded and low-rainfall lands into productive areas, providing farmers with multiple income streams. At the BAIF Rural Innovation Centre (BRIC) in Uruli Kanchan, researchers are investigating various uses of spineless cactus, including fodder for livestock, biogas production, food products, and bio-leather.

The project aims to develop climate-resilient crops that can thrive in regions where traditional agriculture struggles, particularly in areas with poor soil, uneven terrain, and limited water resources. Given that Uruli Kanchan receives only around 600 mm of rainfall annually, water scarcity poses a significant challenge for conventional crops.

However, spineless cactus, a xerophyte adapted to thrive in dry conditions, can produce biomass with minimal water. This unique characteristic makes it an attractive option for farmers looking to diversify their income sources. The researchers at BRIC are exploring the full potential of spineless cactus by moving beyond its traditional use as fodder.

They are investigating its capacity as a '5F' crop – providing food, fuel, fodder, fertiliser, and fashion. With its ability to grow on degraded land and its diverse applications, spineless cactus is increasingly being viewed as 'green gold' for farmers. BAIF has initiated trials and demonstrations of the crop in various states.

According to Vitthal Kauthale, chief thematic programme executive, Farm Research & Seed Programme, BAIF, "Spineless cactus can grow in poor soils and uneven terrain, where conventional crops might not be viable. It has exceptional potential for carbon sequestration and provides farmers with multiple income-generating opportunities."

One of the most immediate applications of spineless cactus is as livestock feed. The plant's cladodes can serve as nutritious green fodder for cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, offering a viable alternative during periods when water-intensive fodder crops become difficult to maintain. The cactus fruit can also be processed into various food products, such as juices, jams, candies, liquors, and other items.

Additionally, the biomass from cactus cultivation can be utilized for biogas production, with the digester slurry serving as a source of organic fertilizer. Preliminary trials indicate that cactus pear can be used as an energy crop, producing approximately 0.36 cubic metres of biogas per kilogram of dry matter, with a methane content of 55-70 percent.

This means that every kilogram of completely dry organic matter generates around 360 litres of biogas. Another promising application is the production of vegan leather. BAIF has established a cactus-based leather production unit at its Uruli Kanchan campus, in collaboration with other partners. The organization is developing a protocol for cactus-based leather production and assessing its production economics.

The leather is already being used to manufacture products like laptop bags, wallets, belts, and other accessories, showcasing how a crop grown on marginal land can potentially enter higher-value markets. Kauthale explains, "Our work on cactus-related research and applications spans over a decade, and we have established a bio-leather production unit at our campus.

We also conduct training programs on cactus cultivation and its various applications for farmers, students, industry representatives, and academics." Kailas Gavhane, in-charge of BRIC, adds, "The exploration of cactus-based leather is part of our efforts to identify higher-value applications for the crop. The plant's diverse uses have the potential to generate additional income for farmers."

The broader vision is that spineless cactus could complement existing farm activities, particularly in regions where water scarcity and poor soil conditions limit crop choices. The potential of this 'green gold' crop has also caught the attention of the Indian government. Kauthale notes, "Given its multiple uses, spineless cactus has been promoted by the Government of India through the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WCD-PMKSY), with support provided through Viability Gap Funding (VGF)."