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In India, the dragon fruit was first grown in backyard gardens in the 1990s. Due to its profitability and the fact that once established, it required fewer inputs, it became more well-liked among farmers. The plant can sustain output for more than 20 years, has significant nutraceutical benefits, and is advantageous for enterprises that add value via processing, which has paved the way for dragon fruit farming.
Dragon fruits have drawn interest from the agricultural community across India because of their low care requirements and excellent profitability. As a result, there has been a sharp growth in the cultivation of dragon fruit in various northeastern states as well as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to a recent estimate by the National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management in Baramati, Maharashtra’s Indian Council of Agricultural Research, dragon fruits are grown on between 3,000 and 4,000 hectares throughout several Indian states. Each year, the nation produces about 12,000 tons of fruit.
How to grow Dragon fruit?
Generally, it is most popular in Israel, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, with India seeing an increase in popularity. Costs range from Rs. 150 to 250 for one kilo of dragon fruit in India. The maximum yield of this fruit is produced in areas with lower rainfall probabilities. Therefore, you may handle the dragon fruit shrub like a decorative climbing vine that also bears fruit. Other than for eating fresh, this fruit may be used to make jams, fruit juices, ice creams, jellies, wine, and face packs.
Climate Conditions for Growing Dragon Fruit
This fruit tree grows well in arid climates with low soil. So, growing dragon fruit is ideal for the tropical environment. The recommended quantity of precipitation for protected horticulture is 50 cm annually. Dragon fruit growth requires a temperature range between 20 °C and 30 °C. Dragon fruit plants cannot withstand excessive sunshine. So, if you want to grow it in a location with lots of sunshine, just provide some shade.
Soil for Growing Dragon Fruit
From clayey soil to sandy loam, a range of soils may be used to cultivate this fruit. However, sandy soils with rich organic matter and an adequate drainage system are the best for its cultivation. The ideal pH range for growing dragon fruit is 5.5 to 7.
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Land Preparation for Dragon Fruit Agriculture
Until the soil reaches its desired fine tilth and is weed-free, the field must be tilled. In a proportionate ratio, you should next add any kind of organic compost after that.
Method for Planting Dragon Fruit
The most common method of propagating dragon fruits is by cuttings. However, it may also be dispersed via seeds. It is to be noted that, the seeds take a very long period and do not retain the traits of the mother plant. Therefore, if you manage a dragon fruit farm with a focus on commerce, the seeds technique is incorrect. Therefore, if you want to fully benefit from growing dragon fruit, you should utilize plant cuttings from a high-quality mother plant. For field planting, the 20 cm cuts should be utilized. Furthermore, cuttings must be heaped two days prior to planting.
The cultivation of dragon fruit
You should use concrete or wooden columns as support to ensure optimal plant development and enormous dragon fruit farming profits. These columns need to be connected to young plants. To support the dragon bush, you just need a round metal frame.
Irrigation of dragon fruits
This plant consumes lesser water than others in comparison. As a result, you may routinely water it during the planting, blooming, and fruit-development phases as well as in hot and dry weather. You may use drip irrigation to conserve water.
Diseases and Pests
The absence of pests and illnesses makes this farming’s biggest benefit. So you don’t need to medicate the plants with additional pesticides. As a result, it lowers the per-acre cost of growing dragon fruit.
Harvesting of Dragon Fruit
The plants start to produce dragon fruit in their first year. It produces fruit between the months of August and December, and after a month of flowering, the fruit is ready for harvest. In addition, the blossoming season lasts into December. During this period, selecting these fruits can be done up to six times. The optimal time to harvest is whenever the fruits turn crimson. The best time to harvest is three to four days following the change in color. On the other hand, if you intend to export them, you must harvest them after one day of colour change. Per acre, you may produce 5 to 6 tonnes.
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Conclusion
Indian consumers are becoming more and more interested in exotic fruits like dragon fruit. These days, the availability of this exotic fruit is constrained while the demand is rising. Because of this, dragon fruit cultivation is profitable in India. As a result, Indian farmers are very interested in this type of farming.
To begin growing dragon fruit, you should write a business strategy. You may add things like the cost of growing dragon fruit per acre, the locations where it is cultivated, the best places to buy and sell dragon fruit in India, and other things. Furthermore, it is successful farming. Therefore, if you’re going to do anything for profit, simply do it.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
- When did dragon fruit farming gain popularity in India? Dragon fruit farming started becoming popular in India in the 1990s because it’s profitable and doesn’t require a lot of resources.
- How long can a dragon fruit plant produce fruit? Dragon fruit plants are long-lasting and can produce fruit for over 20 years.
- What is the typical cost of dragon fruit in India? The price generally ranges from Rs. 150 to 250 per kilogram.
- What kind of climate and soil does dragon fruit prefer? Dragon fruit grows well in arid climates with about 50 cm of annual rainfall and temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It prefers sandy soils that are rich in organic matter, have good drainage, and a pH level between 5.5 and 7.
- How are dragon fruit plants usually grown or propagated? They are commonly grown from cuttings.
- Do dragon fruit plants need support to grow? Yes, they need support structures like concrete or wooden columns for optimal growth.
- When is dragon fruit harvested in India? The harvesting season typically runs from August to December. Fruits are usually ready to be picked about a month after flowering, once they turn crimson.
- Is dragon fruit farming profitable in India? Yes, it is considered profitable due to growing consumer interest and increasing demand for the fruit.
