Lucknow/Unnao (Uttar Pradesh): The foreign dragon fruit is emerging as a boon for local farmers in India, as the crop, which last for 25 years, also provides high returns.
"I have cultivated dragon fruit in one acre of land. The total input cost has come to around Rs seven lakh. It is a one-time investment. After the initial investment, you get the crop year after year. The crop lasts for nearly 25 years," Vinay Gupta, a farmer said.
"There is no harm in continuing with traditional farming, but we farmers need to do some offbeat farming as well and earn extra income. At present, I have given employment to three people. I will expand the acreage in due course of time," he added.
The Dragon Fruit, which is of foreign origin, is also known as the 'Super Fruit'. It is cultivated at a large scale in many countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Sri Lanka and other Central Asian countries.
Dragon Fruit is now being cultivated at certain locations across India as well. In particular, Dragon Fruit cultivation is being done at a large scale in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district.
"I did some research about dragon fruit on YouTube. I came to know that the dragon fruit sapling can be obtained from Kolkata. I sent my son to Kolkata to get saplings, which took almost one and a half years to be fully grown. Now the plants have started bearing fruits," Vinod Kumar Gupta, a farmer, said.
"Initially, we just wanted to know whether the crop is suitable for our climate or not. Now we are happy that our decision was correct. Now, the plants are bearing fruits. It will open up more avenues for us. As per our information, these plants will bear fruits for 25 years. We have used only organic fertiliser. There is no use of any other chemicals or fertiliser," he added.
Read: Pandemic creates demand for dragon fruit
The pink-coloured dragon fruit, which looks attractive from the outside, is equally delicious. The demand for dragon fruit is quite high abroad, as it is considered extremely healthy and nutrient-rich. This fruit sells for Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kg, which is quite expensive, and hence proves lucrative for the farmers. As a result, more and more farmers are now getting attracted towards the cultivation of dragon fruit.
"Earlier, we used to do traditional farming in which we did not have much income. Then I started searching if anything could be done where there is scope for getting remunerative prices for the crop. I found that some fruits, which are not found in India, are imported from outside. These fruits are sold to the affluent class and in big markets," Vinay said.
"A huge amount of Indian currency was going abroad. I did some more research and finally decided to cultivate dragon fruit. I got the sapling planted in February last year and from May this year, we are getting fruits," he added.
With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, while many businesses have been adversely hit, there has been a sudden increase in the demand for dragon fruit.
The Dragon fruit has many nutrients that are considered effective in boosting immunity. Its consumption is also beneficial for those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer.
Read: Kerala: 'Sweet Dragons' aplenty in this organic farm at Malappuram
Rich in Vitamin C, the consumption of dragon fruit eliminates the harmful bacteria formed in the stomach. It also benefits the bones, teeth and body cells.
"Dragon fruit crop does not consume much water. Being a cactus species, the risk of grazing by animals is also negligible. In such a situation, the cultivation of dragon fruit is definitely beneficial for farmers. Farmers should adopt cultivating this type of farming along with traditional farming. This will also make farmers self-reliant and the dream of a self-reliant India will also be realised," said RK Singh, Head of Department of the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow.
Further, the Unnao District has decided to honour the farmers who began the cultivation of dragon fruit in Unnao.
"Only a few days ago, we came to know that farmers from Bangarmau Tehsil area of Unnao have cultivated dragon fruits. They deserve kudos for diversifying farming. For the encouragement of such farmers, we have directed the Agriculture Officer to send their names, who will be honoured at the district and state levels," said Unnao District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar.
