Thorns in the field or earnings? New scheme for farmers of UP, now green gold will grow from barren land

News India Live, Digital Desk: You and I often turn away after seeing cactus growing on roadsides or barren lands. We think that it is a useless, thorny plant. But, now the time has come to change the perspective. Uttar Pradesh Government and Horticulture Department have decided that this Hawthorn will now be made a source of income for the farmers.

Will ring in 37 districts
Yes, the department has prepared a new blueprint. Under this, the state 37 districts Farmers will be encouraged to cultivate cactus. The biggest benefit in this will be to those districts where there is water shortage, like-Bundelkhand and Vindhya region (Mirzapur, Sonbhadra etc.).

The government’s logic is very simple: where there is no water and the land is rocky or barren, other crops die. But the cactus stands proudly there too.

Which cactus? (magic without thorns)
Don’t worry, you don’t have to grow that thorny cactus from the jungle. Horticulture Department from farmers ‘Spineless’ Will get the species of cactus cultivated. Thorns will not prick your hand if you touch it.

Its two biggest advantages are:

1. Nutritious fodder for animals: During drought days, when green fodder is not available, this cactus will act as a ‘sanjeevani’ for the animals. It contains plenty of water and nutrients, which also increases the milk production of cows and buffaloes.
2. Direct selling in the market: Not just fodder, the demand for cactus is very high in today’s times. It is being used in making medicines, shampoo, cream and even ‘Bio-Leather’. Companies can buy it directly from your farm.

More bang for your buck
The best thing is that there is no need to grow it in a separate field. Farmer brothers can install it as a fence on the boundaries of their fields. This will keep the farm safe and also generate extra income. Or if you have any land lying unused, plant it there and forget about it. This crop will give you good returns even with less care.

So if you also have a barren piece of land, don’t leave it idle. Meet your district horticulture officer and take advantage of this new scheme. In changing times, it is wise to change the method of farming!