Introduction : Almost 53.4 per cent of India’s land area comprises of arid and semi-arid regions. The climato-vegetational   condition of the arid and semi-arid zones indicates a very extreme temperature, very low and erratic precipitation, high wind speed, high evapotranspiration, scarcity of water, low content of organic matter and presence of soluble salt in the soil leading to very low productivity of agricultural crops and poor availability of natural resources of the area, which affects the livelihood of the local community. To address this critical issue, scientists across the world have been scouting for suitable crop species that can not only grow in hostile agro-climatic conditions but also provide food, fodder and other economic benefits.

Opuntia ficus-indica species known as cactus pear, is a climate-resilient smart crop, which has been introduced in recent times in India.  It has multiple uses especially for our farmers in arid or rainfed regions. It is tolerant to drought, high temperature and frost and is adaptive to a hot arid environment because of xerophytic characters, enabling the plants to survive prolonged periods of drought. It is a multipurpose plant species which is easy to establish. Cactus cladodes are rich in minerals like Ca, Mg, Na, P and K and have moderate protein and fibre content. Cactus contains high percentage of water (85- 90 per cent) and hence when fed to livestock, the water requirement of animals is reduced by 40 to 50 per cent. Cactus can generate carbon sequestration of 30 T CO_2e/ha/year under sub-optimal growing conditions. Being a multipurpose crop with use as food, fodder, fuel, fertilizer and fashion, cactus achieves some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has made this plant a climate-smart crop and an integral aspect of agricultural economy in arid and semi-arid regions of India as well as the world.

Uses of Cactus: Cactus has capacity to produce good biomass throughout the year using minimum water. Cactus and its fruits are now becoming a source of agro-foods available in more than 50 products i.e. marmalades, juices, nectars, candies, frozen pulp, alcoholic beverages, pickles, sauces, shampoos, soaps and lotions. Cactus plant has medicinal uses such as an antacid, arterial sclerosis, anti-cholesterolic, prostatis and hyperglycemia. It has proven potential for diversification and improving livelihood for sustainability in dry lands of India. Cactus is a good species for soil and water conservation, rangeland and marginal land rehabilitation and crop land management. Against the backdrop of ongoing climate change, prolonged droughts, land degradation and desertification, this hardy crop demonstrates significant social, environmental and socio-economic benefits.

The adaptation trials at BAIF campuses in Wagholi, Maharashtra, Lakkihalli, Karnataka, Nanodara, Gujarat and Barmer, Rajasthan has highlighted the adaptability and suitability of cactus in prevailing soil and climatic conditions and also demonstrated the potential of cactus as a source of fodder for animals. Currently, 3.20 ha cactus plantations are being maintained on various campuses and planting material is being supplied to various agencies.

BAIF has developed e-learning module, video clipping, booklet, brochure as suitable training and extension material for promotion of cactus and also published research papers in International Journals and popular articles on cactus cultivation in the local print media.

BAIF’s Research and Development work on Cactus: BAIF Development Research Foundation initiated a comprehensive project on Cactus with NABARD support in 2015. BAIF has standardized the nursery techniques and tissue culture protocol for mass multiplication, production technology, protocol for feeding cactus to livestock and financial viability of cactus cultivation and nursery development at BAIF’s Central Research Station, Urulikanchan, Pune. A cactus arboretum with more than 100 accessions has been established and evaluated for adaptability, growth, yield and nutritional performance.

The research outcomes of this project have been transferred to farmers’ fields in arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. More than 800 field demonstrations have been developed on farmers’ fields and the growth and yield performance monitored periodically. The farmers are currently utilising cactus cladodes for feeding their goat, sheep, cattle and buffaloes. These plantations are also acting as decentralised nurseries for supply of planting material. BAIF have also supplied more than one lakh cladodes to Krishi Vigyan Kendra, State Agriculture University, Government Seed farms and NGOs to promote cactus as a fodder for livestock.

Cactus-fresh biomass yield ranges from 20 to 35 tons/ha at two years of plant growth and largely depends on the soil type and management practices adopted by the farmers. The subsequent increase in biomass yield was also noticed over a period of plant growth.  Cactus feeding trials were undertaken in small and large ruminants and it revealed high palatability in goats as well as in milking cows. The results indicated that 3-4 kg of cactus was voluntarily consumed by adult goats whereas 7-8 kg of cactus were consumed by milking cows per day along with roughages. Hence, cactus has replaced 25 percent of green fodder. The average daily gain in body weight and overall growth were observed to be satisfactory during the feeding of cactus.

Cactus for fruits : Some of the fruit type accessions have been identified among the available germplasm collections in cactus arboretum at BAIF, Urulikanchan. Besides fruit yield, quality parameters including colour, taste, sugar content and nutritional properties of the fruits are being studied to identify the best accession for further multiplication and exploration for commercial fruit production as well as value added product development.

Cactus for Bio leather and Biogas/ Bioenergy : For exploring cactus as bio leather, collaborative research with CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum and M/S Streekaya Services Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, is in progress. NIIST has developed a protocol for bio leather (vegan leather) production, studied its properties and economics of production. Cactus pears meet the criteria of energy crop and biogas production is 0.36 m³ kg/DM having 55 to 70 % methane (CH₄). The slurry coming out from the digester is a very good fertilizer and can be used in crop production. The work is being taken forward in collaboration with International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), ICAR institutes and a few start-up companies.

Future prospects : In vast areas of India which are rainfed, cactus can be grown with minimum availability of water. The Ministry of Land Resources and Watershed, Government of India is showing considerable interest in promoting cactus plantation on available watershed areas/ degraded land / waste land / rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions across the country. There is a need to establish a decentralised cactus nursery on farmers’ fields and for Government institutes to cater to the increasing demand of planting material. Cactus as a raw material can be utilised for multiple uses like green fodder, community biogas and bio CNG, bio leather and pharmaceutical and industrial products.

Introduction:

Rural livestock improvement is one of the core activity approaches of BAIF to ensure gainful self-employment and sustainable livelihood approach at the rural level.  This activity is not only a tool for income generation and improvement of the quality of life of the rural population but also an opportunity for dairy population improvement. The method varies from using frozen semen from exotic breed dairy sires (Jersey or Holstein Friesian) to crossbreed rural indigenous (Zebu) cows to produce crossbreds with high milk potential to preserving and enhancing indigenous stock through their characterization and genetic improvement using frozen semen from chosen bulls through Artificial Insemination.

Breeding the field animals through natural service:

Traditionally, bulls have been used by natural service to impregnate females for producing calves. Since one bull is used for providing service to many females, his contribution to improvement becomes more important than that of females. In natural mating, while realizing the importance of the bull in transmitting good qualities to its progeny, it was also noticed that the level of impact was much less than desired due to the production of a few numbers of daughters during the year. The invention of Artificial Insemination (A.I.) created an opportunity to produce a large number of daughters from a bull to create a sizable impact of its inheritance, to genetically improve the milk production potential. Such a program was launched by BAIF right in the initial establishment years by importing frozen semen of highly merited bulls from Europe and America and thereafter from locally available selected bulls when semen freezing facilities were established and standardized.

Generation-wise contribution of sire:

Considering the objective of improving milk and the overall productive and reproductive performance of rural animals, the selection of top-class quality bulls for producing a large number of daughters to make the desired impact is necessary. In the 1^st generation sire contributes 50 percent to the foundation stock, in the 2^nd generation, his contribution is 75 percent and in the 3^rd generation, 87.5 percent contributes from 3 sires to the foundation stock. (See the following Image) and the bull effect continues for 10 years.

Bull selection methods:

There are three popular methods for selecting bulls for breeding field animals and they are as follows;

1. Physical confirmation: In this bull selection method, more importance is given to the breed characters rather than the milk production potential of his dam. While selecting the bull it is also seen that the bull is free from any physical ailments like lameness, blindness, any damaged part of the body, etc. This bull selection method is used for draft-purpose breeds E.g. Khillar, Hallikar, Red Kandhari, etc,

2. Physical confirmation and pedigree selection: In this bull selection method along with physical confirmation, the bull’s pedigree (ancestors’ information) is also seen like, the milk production capacity of his dam, his sisters, and grand dam. If the pedigree information of three generations is available, then it is considered to be much better. This method is used for selecting the bulls from milk breeds and crossbreed animals.

3. Physical confirmation, pedigree, and progeny performance: This is the most reliable method of bull selection before the bull is put into extensive use. The developed countries that made extensive genetic improvements in milk production used this method on a very large scale. In this bull selection method, the selection of bulls is made after comparing a large number of bulls and selecting a top few of them to be used extensively. Since bulls themselves do not give milk, the average production of their daughters is considered for comparison. Standard procedures are defined for doing this and the process is known as progeny testing. The field progeny testing has prime importance as bulls are selected on the performance of daughters born at farmers’ herd and every farmer has his own feeding and management practices followed for their animals.

4. BAIF experience in progeny testing: The first field progeny testing attempt in BAIF was initiated during the period 1980-85. During this period, pure Holstein and Jersey breed bulls were progeny tested on the basis of their crossbred daughters produced under farmer conditions. This probably was the first attempt of this sort in the country.

The absence of information and experience on many aspects of field recording in the country calls for a need to build knowledge on the aspects of fine-tuning the recording system to increase the accuracy of progeny testing.

Global warming is a pressing global issue that has severe implications for the overall ecosystem. One significant contributor to this problem is the emission of methane from animals, which is influenced by various factors including feed type, feed intake, ambient temperature, rate of feed consumption, the balance of nutrients in the feed for microbial growth and microbial composition in the animal’s gut. To address this issue, a holistic livestock development approach can be adopted to improve the milk production and provide sustainable livelihoods for the rural community. Following strategies can be recommended and adopted to reduce the methane emission:

Improved animal nutrition and Ration Balancing Programme: Enhancing feeding practices and feed conversion efficiency is crucial in minimizing methane production. By increasing the energy content and digestibility of feed, less feed is converted to methane resulting in more productive output. Balanced diets incorporating high-quality forages can improve animal health, digestion, and ultimately reduce methane emissions. A balanced ration should provide protein, energy, minerals and vitamins from dry fodder, green fodder, concentrates, mineral supplements etc. in appropriate quantities to ensure optimal performance and animal health.

Use of anti-methanogenic feed supplements: Certain feed additives, such as tannins, essential oils, and enzyme supplements, have proven effective in reducing enteric methane emissions in livestock. With the help of research activities certain anti-methanogenic feed supplement have been developed which can be effectively and safely incorporated into animal diet like “Harit Dhara”. Based on the results of a feeding trial of Harit Dhara, anti-methanogenic feed supplement at different ICAR research institutes and possible reduction of methane emission up to 17 – 20%, BAIF has purchased a license of Harit Dhara for production and supply through its own programmes as well as from private customers.   It has been developed from tannin-rich plant-based sources. Tropical plants containing tannins, bitter and astringent chemical compounds, are known to suppress or remove protozoa from the rumen. It decreases the population of protozoa microbes in the rumen, responsible for hydrogen production and making it available to the archaea (structure similar to bacteria) for reduction of CO2 eq. The use of Harit Dhara promotes higher milk production by increasing the production of propionic acid, providing more energy for lactose production and weight gain.

Changes in animal management and breeding: Improving animal productivity through selective breeding and enhanced management practices can significantly reduce methane emissions per unit of output. This approach requires a decrease in total animal numbers coupled with increased productivity to meet consumer demands.

Improved Breeding and genetics: Selective breeding programmes can be employed to develop dairy breeds that are more efficient in feed utilization and have lower methane emissions. Identifying and breeding animals with naturally low methane production can contribute to long-term emission reductions.

Use of sexed sorted semen: Sorted semen is a sexed semen containing either X or Y sperms and the use of it produces a desired sex (male or female) animal. The male calves are both neglected and under fed by the farmers due to less utility to the farmer. The sorted semen technology will produce 90% female calves.  This technology helps to reduce the economic losses and challenges associated with male calves, leading to improved animal management.

Dung and Manure Management: Proper management of livestock waste, such as dung and manure, is crucial in reducing methane emissions. BAIF has contributed to research and development in establishing an Integrated Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture (IRESA) Model-Based Biogas Unit. Pre-fabricated Floating Dome Biogas Plants are the first portable and ready-to-use plants. These Biogas Plants, made from non-toxic polyethylene material are free from any contamination, chemical resistant and blended with stabilizers, Anti Corrosive and Anti Acidic. These are designed especially for Semi Urban and Rural areas to produce biogas from wet waste and animal dung. This is easy for operation and cleaning. The generated biogas can be used for domestic purpose like cooking which is sufficient for a family of 5-6 members. Each unit can contribute 4 tons of CO2 equivalent emission reduction per year.

Furthermore, the digested slurry from the biogas unit can be utilized as organic fertilizer for crops or fish ponds. After continuous research and development, we have established a 5G filter technology developed to gain the benefits of this IRESA based Biogas Model. The 5G filter is used to separate the solid and liquid waste. The slurry separated water and LOF Culture can be used for kitchen garden plantation by drip irrigation. The application of organic manure improves soil quality by reducing salinity/alkalinity, increasing porosity and enhancing water-holding capacity. BAIF has obtained 2 patents jointly with Sankalp Med-Education Society, Pune viz. “Method and system for production of enriched organic fertilizer from biogas slurry separated water” for Liquid Organic Fertilizers (LOF) on 18^th January, 2023 and “Method and system for separation of solids in biogas plant slurry for resource reutilization” for IRESA based Biogas Filter on 29^th March, 2023.

Adopting a holistic livestock development approach that encompasses improved animal nutrition, anti-methanogenic feed supplements, changes in animal management and breeding, and effective dung and manure management can significantly reduce methane emissions. These strategies not only contribute to mitigating global warming but also improve milk production and provide sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

Desertification, climate change and biodiversity loss are the key problems of sustainable development. Desertification is mostly caused by land deterioration. According to estimates, 120.4 million ha of India’s geographical area is degraded, of which 104.2 million ha is arable land, resulting in a loss of 5.37 to 8.4 million tonnes of soil nutrients (NAAS, 2021).

To address land deterioration and desertification, location-specific, socially acceptable, environmentally benign and cost-effective strategies need to be adopted. BAIF Development Research Foundation, an NGO working in sustainable development in 14 Indian states, has promoted the following strategies:

Wadi (Agri-Horti-Forestry System): Under this programme, fruit trees are planted as the main crops with vegetable crops and pilot-scale cash crops as intercrops on land owned by resource-poor families, for income generation, while forestry trees with multipurpose uses such as fodder, herbs, timber, NTFP and fuel wood are planted along farm boundaries. This model emphasises on the promotion of indigenous and local tree species. While the focus is on legume crops, efforts are also undertaken to identify local agro-biodiversity, purify, characterise and promote elite local landraces of main crops in the particular area.   The approximate tree density ranges from 750 to 950 trees per hectare. Site-specific appropriate soil conservation techniques and diverse organic practises such as green manuring, on-farm compost production and application and in-situ composting have helped in improving the physical and biological properties of soils.

To ensure the availability of water for consumption and protective irrigation, appropriate decentralised micro-water resources such as springs, group wells and check dams have been installed. Farmers are also organised into Farmer Producer Organisations for aggregation, processing and marketing of farm produce for value chain development. Improved quality of life of the participating families is ensured through the promotion of location-specific and need-based preventive health measures such as clean drinking water, improved nutrition, personal hygiene and sanitation and women and child health.

The Wadi programme has checked soil erosion and improved soil parameters. In addition to halting land degradation, the programme has resulted in increased livelihoods, resilience and nutrition. More than 2 lakh (0.2 million) families have adopted wadis, converting 35417 ha of degraded lands into sustainable productive assets while combating mitigation. More than 0.45 million families in 25 states have benefited from the Wadi approach adopted under the NABARD-supported Tribal Development Fund and with BAIF functioning as a Resource Support Organisation. Studies indicate that these wadis sequester roughly 23T C per ha over a period of 10 years.

Natural Resource Management: BAIF has also adopted several natural resource management and landscape development strategies. A comprehensive assessment of the current state of natural resources such as land, water and forests is followed by participatory planning and implementation of conservation and restoration measures. Based on the demand and available resources, several approaches such as watershed development, soil and water conservation, soil improvement, water management and silvipasture development have been implemented. The emphasis is on appropriate soil improvement practises such as the use of organic inputs and biochar, recycling of agricultural waste and low tillage practises. Specific measures are also adopted for the management of saline soils.

BAIF has promoted the IRESA programme, which uses cow dung to generate biogas with the resultant slurry turning into phosphate-rich organic manure (PROM) and serving as a rich source of nourishment for plants and replenishment of soils while substituting synthetic fertilisers.      

BAIF has already treated 3.6 lakh ha of land in 12 Indian states. These methods have slowed down land degradation, improved soil health and increased water availability, all of which have increased crop yield and fodder availability. This has resulted in surplus income for farmers and sustainable management of natural resources. Studies indicate that these strategies have also improved soil carbon while contributing to climate change mitigation.

These climate change mitigation strategies are ensuring the restoration of land, improving soil moisture, biodiversity, farm yields and resilience of small and marginal farmers while contributing to poverty alleviation and Nationally Determined Contributions identified by the Government of India.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals