Spineless Cactus (Opuntia-ficus indica): Exploring an Unconventional Fodder Resource in Arid Soils

Abstract

The rising population coupled with climate change has been threatening the global food and nutritional security. There is a growing concern on how agriculture will cope up with these challenges in the near future. Arid regions are characterized by low rainfall and higher evaporation. The little effective precipitation in these areas could not support high plant biomass and therefore, low vegetative cover is one of the main manifestations in arid soils. The unsustainable use of groundwater, low rainfall, land degradation, overgrazing etc. are adding to these concerns and threatening the livelihood resources especially in arid regions where harsh climate and problematic soils are prevalent.