Spineless Cactus as Non Conventional Fodder Crop for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Almost 53.4 per cent of India’s land area comprises of arid and semi-arid regions. The climato-vegetational condition of the arid and semi-arid zones indicates a very extreme temperature, very low and erratic precipitation, high wind speed, high evapotranspiration, scarcity of water, low content of organic matter and presence of soluble salt in the soil leading to very low productivity of agricultural crops and poor availability of natural resources of the area, which affects the livelihood of the local community. To address this critical issue, scientists across the world have been scouting for suitable crop species that can not only grow in hostile agro-climatic conditions but also provide food, fodder and other economic benefits.
Opuntia ficus-indica species known as cactus pear, is a climate-resilient smart crop, which has been introduced in recent times in India. It has multiple uses especially for our farmers in arid or rainfed regions. It is tolerant to drought, high temperature and frost and is adaptive to a hot arid environment because of xerophytic characters, enabling the plants to survive prolonged periods of drought. It is a multipurpose plant species which is easy to establish. Cactus cladodes are rich in minerals like Ca, Mg, Na, P and K and have moderate protein and fibre content. Cactus contains high percentage of water (85- 90 per cent) and hence when fed to livestock, the water requirement of animals is reduced by 40 to 50 per cent. Cactus can generate carbon sequestration of 30 T CO2e/ha/year under sub- optimal growing conditions. Being a multipurpose crop with use as food, fodder, fuel, fertilizer and fashion, cactus achieves some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has made this plant a climate-smart crop and an integral aspect of agricultural economy in arid and semi-arid regions of India as well as the world.
Livestock is symbolic to wealth and power across civilizations for centuries. India is blessed with diversified type of livestock. Livestock population is around 529.7 million and is expected to grow at the rate of 0.55% in the coming years. To provide sufficient milk to the ever growing population there is a need to increase the current milk production of 164 million tonnes to 400 million tonnes by 2050. The average yield of milk and meat in our animals is 20-60% lower than the global average. Further, their production potential is not realized fully because of constraints related to feeding management. However, the demand will reach to 1012 million tonnes of green fodder and 631 million tonnes of dry forage by the year 2050. At the current level of growth in forage resources, there will be 18.4 % deficit in green fodder and 13.2% deficit in dry fodder in the year 2050. In order to overcome this problem spineless cactus need to introduce in dry areas for supply of good quality fodder. SpinelessCactus (Opuntiaficus-indicaL. Mill.) is a CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plant grows arid and semi-arid areas of India.It is originated on the central plateau of Mexico.Since cactus has a higher conversion efficiency of water to dry matter than any other kind of plants, hence is highly useful as fodder for cattle, sheep and goat.The fodder quality of cactus is quite comparable with several other cultivated nutritious fodder crops. In general, cactus cladodes are high in carbohydrates (60 g/100 g DM), dry matter digestibility 70%, moisture content 85-90 %, crude protein 5-12 %, crude fiber 43%, phosphorus 0.08-0.18 %, calcium 4.2 %, potassium 2.3 %, magnesium 1.4 %, energy 2.6 Mcal/kg, carotenoids 29 µg/100 g and ascorbic acid 13 mg/100 g.
Uses of Cactus: Cactus has capacity to produce good biomass throughout the year using minimum water. Cactus and its fruits are now becoming a source of agro-foods available in more than 50 products i.e. marmalades, juices, nectars, candies, frozen pulp, alcoholic beverages, pickles, sauces, shampoos, soaps and lotions. Cactus plant has medicinal uses such as an antacid, arterial sclerosis, anti-cholesterolic, prostatis and hyperglycemia. It has proven potential for diversification and improving livelihood for sustainability in dry lands of India. Cactus is a good species for soil and water conservation, rangeland and marginal land rehabilitation and crop land management. Against the backdrop of ongoing climate change, prolonged droughts, land degradation and desertification, this hardy crop demonstrates significant social, environmental and socio-economic benefits. The adaptation trials at BAIF campuses in Wagholi, Maharashtra, Lakkihalli, Karnataka, Nanodara, Gujarat and Barmer, Rajasthan has highlighted the adaptability and suitability of cactus in prevailing soil and climatic conditions and also demonstrated the potential of cactus as a source of fodder for animals. Currently, 3.20 ha cactus plantations are being maintained on various campuses and planting material is being supplied to various agencies.
Cactus-fresh biomass yield ranges from 20 to 35 tons/ha at two years of plant growth and largely depends on the soil type and management practices adopted by the farmers. The subsequent increase in biomass yield was also noticed over a period of plant growth. Cactus feeding trials were undertaken in small and large ruminants and it revealed high palatability in goats as well as in milking cows. The results indicated that 3-4 kg of cactus was voluntarily consumed by adult goats whereas 7-8 kg of cactus were consumed by milking cows per day along with roughages. Hence, cactus has replaced 25 percent of green fodder. The average daily gain in body weight and overall growth were observed to be satisfactory during the feeding of cactus.
Cactus for fruits : Some of the fruit type accessions have been identified among the available germplasm collections in cactus arboretum at BAIF, Urulikanchan. Besides fruit yield, quality parameters including colour, taste, sugar content and nutritional properties of the fruits are being studied to identify the best accession for further multiplication and exploration for commercial fruit production as well as value added product development.
Cactus for Bio leather and Biogas/ Bioenergy : For exploring cactus as bio leather, collaborative research with CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum and M/S Streekaya Services Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, is in progress. NIIST has developed a protocol for bio leather (vegan leather) production, studied its properties and economics of production. Cactus pears meet the criteria of energy crop and biogas production is 0.36 m3 kg/DM having 55 to 70 % methane (CH4). The slurry coming out from the digester is a very good fertilizer and can be used in crop production. The work is being taken forward in collaboration with International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), ICAR institutes and a few start-up companies.
FOLLOWING STEPS ARE OPTED IN CACTUS FARMING:
Nursery Management:The nursery propagation was undertaken both in shade net house having 50 % shade to create suitable environment and also under open condition. Following techniques needs to be adopted for undertaking nursery propagation of cactus.
Curing of cladodes: Keep the fresh cladodes under shade for curing after removing from the mother plantsto bring down the moisture content upto 65- 70% before planting in the nursery/field.A curing period of 2 weeks is ideal before planting in the nursery/field.
Nursery media: Selection of suitable nursery media plays key role in success of the propagation in cactus. Soil, sand and FYM in 40:40:20 proportions are the best media for cactus nursery rising.
Planting in nursery:Planting the cactus during post rainy season i.e. October onward till March is the ideal time where maximum plant survival will be observed. The cactus cladode of 6 months of age and above should be selected for nursery propagation. The matured cladodes may be cut into 2, 4, 6 and 8 pieces for multiplication. However the survival and growth of single cladode is faster but 1/8th piece of cladode, can be multiplied into a new plant though it takes longer time to become a mature plant. The cladodes/pieces should be treated with fungicide (Mancozeb) @ 2g/liter water before planting. The cladodes should be planted erect keeping 1/3rd portion below media. In case of cladode pieces the uncut portion should be kept above media while planting in the pot/bag.
Water management:The cactus is very sensitive to moisture therefore optimum watering should be provided during nursery stage. Do not water the plants immediately after the planting. After a week time, water the plant lightly (1 liter/pot or bag) and subsequent watering may be provided at 10 days interval.
Hardening the propagules:The sprouting and development of new cladodes and roots will take around 60 days. At this stage the propagules should be exposed to sunlight by taking them outside the shade net for hardening. A period of 30 days is sufficient for hardening the propagules. Therefore the propagules will be ready for field planting in 90 days.
Cactus Cultivation and Management:
The following package of practices needs to be followed for successful cactus plantation.
Climate:Opuntiacan cultivate from sea level to desert where temperatures are extremely high and can tolerate high temperatures of up to 60 to 70°C. It grows in area where average annual rainfall ranges from 300-600 mm and free from frost, hail and strong winds. Hot sunny days and cool dry winter where temperatures do not fall below maximum 50 C are most suitable for cactus production. A temperature range of 18–30 °C is suggested for germination and soil temperatures of around 22 °C promote the best root growth. Site selection and land preparation:Opuntia thrives best on sandy and sandy loam soils. It can easily be grown in especially gravelly or stony or degraded poor quality land, where other crops cannot be grown.
Planting time: Cactus can be planted throughout the year, but the best time for its planting is September-October and February-March. Selection of the cactus accessions: The selection of cactus accessions depends upon the purpose of plantation i.e. fruit, fodder or vegetable. The thorn less accessions should be selected for fodder purpose. The accessions 1270, 1271, 1280 and 1308 are tested for its growth, biomass production and nutritional content in biomass at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Central Agro Forestry Research Institute, Jhansi, National Research Centre on Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnalare recommended for fodder purpose planting.
Establishment of cactus plantation:Cactus is propagated by seed and vegetative parts. However, the most common method of propagating cactus is by leaves (cladode) that are at least 10-12 months old. The matured cladode of identified accessions is used for planting material. Curing of freshly harvested cladodes is necessary under shade for 15 days before planting in the field. It is better to plant on ridges to avoid flooding during rainy season. The cladode should be planted erect keeping 1/3rd portion below ground and it should be treated with Mancozeb@ 2g/liter water before planting to prevent disease caused by seed borne fungal pathogens.
Spacing: Spacing depends upon the type of cultivar and the purpose for which the plantation is being raised. In general, cactus is reported to give best production when planted in rows 3or 2 m apart keeping distance between plants 2 or 1 m.
Manure and fertilizer application: A combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers might be the best option when less manure is available. Application of 5 tonnes well decomposed Farm Yard Manure and 60:30:30 kg NPK per hectare is recommended at the time of planting. Application of 20 kg Nitrogen is useful in enhancing the new sprouting after every harvest for biomass.
Intercropping: To provide a nutritional balance, farmers are encouraged to grow leguminous fodder like lathyrusas intercropwhich is capable of withstand under drought conditions. Use alley cropping with cereal, legume pasture crops and perennial grass like TSH/guinea grass grown between rows of cactus.
After care and maintenance: Weed control is essential to increase cactus productivity. Keep the field weed free during initial plant growth period by hand weeding or application of herbicide (Glyphosate @ 5 ml/liter water). Provide the optimum moisture for initial plant establishment period of one year. Therefore watering the plants at 15 days interval during post rainy season is very much essential.
Harvesting management: Cactus harvest management must take into consideration harvest intensity, frequency and timing. Interaction between these factors affects cactus regrowth. Cladodes are tender and should not be grazed directly by animals otherwise longevity of crop drastically decreases. The biomass harvesting in cactus should be initiated after one year of the plantation. Keeping the basal cladode, the other cladodes may be harvested by cutting with sharp knife. Cactus can be fed to cattle and small ruminants like sheep and goat by mixing it in total mixed ration (TMR). Many farmers prefer and are encouraged to cut the cactus into smaller pieces and supplement with hay or straw. Goat may consume on an average 3 kg of the cactus daily and can maintain their body weight without any adverse effect on their health. Cactus can be used as a fodder for replacement of 25% dry matter with their regular grazing Yield:The average of 15 to 37 cladodes and fresh biomass yield of 15 to 20 kg per plant was recorded at 12 months after planting. The biomass yield increases with increase in age of the plants and 27 to 29 kg biomass per plant was observed at 21 months after planting.
NUTRIENT COMPOSITION Cactus fodder is rich in vitaminA and water soluble carbohydrates. Forage quality is comparable with several other cultivated fodder crops. The average chemical composition of cactus cladode is given below:
Chemical composition (Dry matter basis)
Dry matter % 10-11
Crude protein % 11.81
Dry matter digestibility % 70.00
Ether Extract % 1.18
Fiber % 8.12
Ash % 2.55
Ca % 6.05
P % 0.30
Mg % 3.15
K % 1.82
Na % 0.05
Cu % 6.13
source-NDDB, Anand
SUMMARY
Spineless cactus can be cultivated on the bund of farms by small and marginal farmers of arid and semi arid region with low inputs not only to overcome malnutrition in livestock’s but also increases socio-economic condition of rural people.
Future prospects : In vast areas of India which are rainfed, cactus can be grown with minimum availability of water. The Ministry of Land Resources and Watershed, Government of India is showing considerable interest in promoting cactus plantation on available watershed areas/ degraded land / waste land / rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions across the country. There is a need to establish a decentralised cactus nursery on farmers’ fields and for Government institutes to cater to the increasing demand of planting material. Cactus as a raw material can be utilised for multiple uses like green fodder, community biogas and bio CNG, bio leather and pharmaceutical and industrial products.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
