Case study: Indian Fig Cactus project
Goondiwindi, like many other regional farming areas in Australia, is facing challenges including degrading soil quality and prolonged drought. The Queensland Government, in collaboration with Woods Group, has shown how the Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian Fig – which is not actually a fig, but a non-invasive relative of the prickly pear cactus) can survive in extreme dry conditions and produce both a fruit and vegetable.
This plant has the potential to create products like cactus water, leather, health and cosmetic products, animal feed and protein supplements, providing opportunity to create a diverse income stream for farmers across Queensland.
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