In the face of escalating agricultural threats such as global warming, drought, and plant diseases in Italy's southern regions, a new initiative by a start-up founded by Andrea Ortenzi, a former telecoms manager, is gaining attention. Ortenzi, inspired by the use of Opuntia ficus, commonly known as prickly pear, as animal feed in Brazil, has initiated the cultivation of this plant in Italy's Puglia region. The move comes as a strategic response to the devastation caused by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial disease that has severely affected olive trees, a staple crop in the area.
The prickly pear's resilience and versatility make it a promising alternative, with potential applications ranging from the production of soft drinks and flour to animal feed and biofuel. This initiative is not isolated, as the cultivation of prickly pear is witnessing a global increase, particularly in regions facing similar climatic challenges. Makiko Taguchi, an agricultural officer at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), highlights the growing industry of cactus pear production, especially for fodder and biofuel.
The plant's adaptability to arid conditions, requiring significantly less water than crops like maize, positions it as an ideal candidate for areas like Italy's south, increasingly affected by drought and extreme weather conditions. Wakonda, the company behind this initiative, has ambitious plans to expand prickly pear cultivation significantly by the end of 2025. The business model focuses on the sustainable use of the plant's parts, including the production of a nutritious energy drink from the juice of its pads and the transformation of waste into methane gas through biodigesters.
Ortenzi's approach aims to engage local farmers by licensing out the necessary equipment and know-how for prickly pear cultivation, offering a long-term purchase guarantee for their output. This strategy not only promotes the adoption of this resilient crop but also encourages a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices in response to climate change.
Source: myNEWS