Prickly pear cactus - 'Bright star' in the era of climate change

In the context of increasingly severe climate change, when challenges such as drought, disease and extreme weather are seriously threatening global agriculture, a seemingly forgotten plant species suddenly becomes a "bright star" of the agricultural industry.

That is the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia Ficus) , a symbol of resilience and adaptability in harsh environments.

 Cactus not only adapts well to drought conditions but also brings outstanding economic value. (Photo: Reuters).

The story of the prickly pear begins in the arid south of Italy, where agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges. With olive trees – the signature crop of the Puglia region – being ravaged by the Xylella disease and climate change, the startup Wakonda has come up with a novel solution.

Mr. Andrea Ortenzi came up with the idea of ​​growing cacti 20 years ago, while working in Brazil, where cacti were used as animal feed. Returning to Italy, Mr. Ortenzi realized that cacti not only adapt well to drought conditions but also bring outstanding economic value . Therefore, in 2021, he and 4 friends founded Wakonda, launching an ambitious project: turning prickly pear cactus into a strategic crop for the Italian agricultural sector.

The prickly pear cactus can be considered a "savior" for modern agriculture. Not only is it hardy, the cactus also consumes extremely little water - only 1/10 compared to corn, one of the most water-consuming crops today. Thanks to its ability to grow strongly in drought conditions, the prickly pear cactus can thrive in areas that are not favorable for other crops .

A worker harvests prickly pear cactus, which can withstand extreme temperatures, at a farm in Al Qalyubia province, Egypt. (Photo: Reuters).

Furthermore, cactus products are also diverse and valuable. Cactus can be processed into low-calorie , nutritious energy drinks from cactus juice. In addition, cactus is also a source of protein-rich food for livestock, contributing to a sustainable food supply chain. Not stopping there, the leftovers from cactus after processing are also put into biodegradation tanks to produce methane gas - an environmentally friendly biofuel.

What makes Wakonda's model unique is its close cooperation with local farmers. Instead of occupying farmland, the company commits to buying all of a farmer's cactus output for at least 15 years, says Andrea Ortenzi. This approach not only provides farmers with a stable income but also helps minimize risks due to market fluctuations.

Wakonda also supports farmers with technology, equipment and knowledge, helping them grow cactus effectively and sustainably. This is the combination of innovation and tradition, science and technology with a deep understanding of agriculture, creating an agricultural supply chain that is not only sustainable but also protects the environment.

Andrea Ortenzi pours a low-calorie drink made from pressed prickly pear fruit at Wakonda headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The prickly pear cactus is not just a hope for Italian farmers. In Tunisia, cacti cover 12% of the cultivated land, providing a stable income for thousands of people, especially women. In Mexico, the cactus's bark is being used as raw material to produce vegetable leather, attracting the attention of major brands such as Adidas and Toyota.

Makiko Taguchi, an expert from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), asserted that the cactus industry is growing rapidly, especially in the fields of animal feed and biofuel. Especially in the era of climate change, when land becomes barren and water is scarce, the prickly pear cactus has proven that this plant is not only an effective agricultural solution but also a sustainable option for the future.