Cactus Plantation and its Economic Usage

In News

  • Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh, convened a consultation meeting on ‘Cactus Plantation and its Economic Usage’ in New Delhi

Cactus

  • It is a Xerophytic Plant which though grows relatively at a slower pace has an immense potential.  
  • Moreover, it will help in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the country as well. 
  • Cactus plantation will be picked up by the farmers of degraded land areas, if the benefits outweigh their existing level of incomes.  
    • 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).
  • 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.

Source:PIB