Technical report of preliminary findings of cactus establishment in India

Abstract

Progress report about the cactus establishment in India two States in India, the goal is to enhance the availability of cactus as an alternate drought-resilient feed resource under different agro-ecological production systems across India to enhance livelihoods of livestock holders. the objectives were to develop the best agronomic practices for optimum spineless cactus growth to increase yield and quality under different environments, continue evaluation trials stabilised in 2016 for cactus adaptation across several agro-ecological production systems, develop various cactus based feed rations depending on available feed resources and enhance capacity building of all partners and disseminate widely main findings during last year:The effect of cactus planting season on yield, quality and other plant characteristics determined, Cactus varieties with specific and general adaptation identified and disseminated, different feed rations in combination with cactus assessed, cactus as feed crop through on station and on farm trials promoted, capacity development of partners for subjects related to cactus use and management developed, total 255 cladodes were distributed to four farmers of Kachchh district, Gujarat and total 64 Cactus accessions are being maintained and evaluated at RRS Bhuj.