Cactus Fruit Plantation in Arid Dry Lands (Jordan)

Abstract

In the arid parts of Jordan with limited rainfall, little irrigation, high water evaporation, poor soil quality and unsustainable land management result in land degradation (erosion and salinization) and productivity loss. Therefore, the International Center Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and National Agricultural Research Centre of Jordan (NARC) organized field days (started in 2014) to disseminate knowledge regarding the cultivation of the cactus pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, cactus crop. Cacti can cope with high temperatures and grow well in (semi)-arid areas with 250-600mm annual rainfall or where irrigation is available. Additionally, the plant is very resilient as it can withstand a long dry season due to its high water-content and water-use -efficiency, which are a result of its morphology (waxy cuticle, no actual leaves) and the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). In this WOCAT SLM knowledge product we are presenting a case study of Jordan farm for cactus fruits production in term of: natural environment of the farm, characteristics of land users applying the technology establishment and maintenance cost related to activities and inputs, cost-benefit analysis, adoption and adaptation and finally the lesson learnt.