Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh spoke at a national workshop on cactus for a green economy in Watershed Projects via video conferencing. He emphasized creating an ecosystem focused on cactus plantation and its economic benefits. The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) signed an MoU with ICAR, ICARDA, and the Rajasthan State Government to promote spineless cactus cultivation under WDC-PMKSY 2.0. DoLR also issued guidelines for cactus cultivation in watershed projects to all States and Union Territories to make use of this opportunity to bring into existence an ecosystem based upon cactus plantation and its economic uses.
The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) runs a scheme called WDC-PMKSY to develop degraded lands sustainably. This scheme allows for planting different types of plants to restore these lands. Cactus, known for its toughness and ability to grow in low rainfall, is being considered for cultivation on these degraded lands. The aim is to benefit the country by using cactus for fuel, fertilizer, fodder, leather, food, etc., thereby increasing farmers’ incomes. DoLR recently signed an agreement with ICAR, ICARDA, and the Rajasthan State Government to promote spineless cactus cultivation and its various uses under WDC-PMKSY 2.0.
National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala exhibited various items like shoes, bags, jackets, Chappals etc. prepared from cactus leather for the benefit of delegates at the venue of workshop. The juice prepared from cactus fruit and cactus salad were also served for all the delegates.