Extracting biomethane from spineless cactus

Cactus is being cultivated in Amlah village of Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district. Long dismissed as a useless desert plant, the humble cactus has the potential to transform farming practices in drought-prone regions. In the year 2014, India imported 15 varieties of thornless cactus germplasm from Mexico, Brazil, and Italy. These specialised varieties are now flourishing in Amlah and other parts of India, offering hope to farmers struggling with water scarcity and climate change. "Cactus cultivation represents a sustainable livelihood option for farmers in water-stressed regions," explains Shiv Kumar Agrawal, regional coordinator at ICARDA (International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas). "These plants require minimal water while offering multiple income streams." The versatility of cacti extends far beyond their drought resistance. In countries facing severe water shortages, cactus serves as vital green fodder for livestock during harsh summers—a practice now gaining traction in India. The succulent pads are nutritious, water-rich, and can sustain cattle when traditional fodder becomes scarce. ICARDA's research has uncovered even more promising applications. Dr. Neha Tiwari, National Associate Scientist at ICARDA, has done groundbreaking experiments last year that confirmed cactus can produce significant amounts of biomethane, opening possibilities for renewable energy production in rural areas. The successful trials demonstrate how these desert plants could help address India's growing energy needs while providing farmers with additional revenue. Subscribe ‪to @GroundReport‬ for environmental stories from the margins of India. #SustainableAgriculture #CactusCultivation #ClimateResilience #DroughtResistance #OrganicFarming #AgriInnovation #RuralLivelihoods #MadhyaPradesh _____________________ Connect with us Visit our website www.groundreport.in for underreported environmental stories. Instagram: / groundreport.in Twitter: https://x.com/GReportIndia Facebook: / groundreport.in Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FObBVITgI0t... Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://substack.com/@groundreport Share our content for better reach.