Promoting Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) As drought resilient feed resource under different agro-ecological production systems across India: Progress Report 2021

Abstract

The main purpose of this report is to highlight the activities performed during the period of 1st April 2021 to 30th November 2021. The fodder quality of cactus cladodes of different accessions has been analyzed and discussed in different phenological phases. Almost 36,700 cladodes have been distributed to farmers/ stakeholders (Gaushala or cow shelter, Universities, institutes and NGOs) despite the challenges due to COVID-19. To overcome the travel restriction and social distancing a series of capacity development took place during this reporting period. In particular, five online training sessions on cactus pear were conducted by IGFRI. Trainings were conveyed to India Fodder Officers of various state line departments, forest & soil conservation department, agriculture and animal husbandry departments. Following on-line training communication, workshop for accelerating fodder production in various states of the country were conducted. In total more than 300 participants benefited from these online training events. Additionally, seven face to face capacity development events conducted targeted more than 500 farmers (21% females) included 4 filed days and 3 ICAR Scientist - Farmer’s interaction procedures. The results of the project activities were documented in different forms. One ISI paper was published in the Agronomy Journal; another ISI paper is under consideration with the Archives of Agronomy & Soil Science Journal, two proceeding papers were accepted in the X INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON CACTUS PEAR AND COCHINEAL, which will be held in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, from 28 to 31 March 2022. Moreover, cactus success story was published in popular local newspaper.