There is good profit in dragon fruit cultivation. Yet very few farmers grow dragon fruit. Dragon fruit requires less irrigation. There is no risk of grazing by animals and insects in the crop in the cultivation of dragon fruit.
Dragon Fruit Farming: Dragon Fruit is related to the cactus species. It is widely eaten in Mexico and Central Asia. Its taste is somewhat sweet like watermelon. They are very attractive to look at. In India it is also known as ‘Pitaya’ and ‘Kamalam’. This light red or pink colored fruit has ‘spikes’ coming out from outside, but has white pulp inside. Like watermelon, the color of its seeds is also black. They are so useful for health that they are considered as ‘superfruits’.
How to cultivate dragon fruit,
For the cultivation of dragon fruit, it is necessary to have good quality of its seeds. It will be better if its plant is developed by grafting technique, because it takes less time to mature and give fruits. It can be sown anytime between March to July. After planting the plant, the dragon fruit tree is ready in about a year and gives fruits from July to October.
By doing organic farming of dragon fruit, the product will be better. After plowing the field, plant the dragon fruit plant in the field. Before installing it, you have to install 6 feet long RCC poles for it. It is necessary to keep a distance of at least 6 feet between each plant.
Land and Climate for Dragon Fruit Cultivation
Dragon fruit trees do not require any special type of soil. It can be grown on any type of land. However, loamy, sandy loam to sandy loam soil is most suitable for dragon fruit cultivation. Dragon fruit can also be cultivated on sloping land with fast drainage. For its tree to flourish properly, the temperature should not be less than 10 and not more than 40 degree Celsius. Dragon fruit requires regular cultivation and treatment.
dragon fruit irrigation
Being a cactus species, dragon fruit requires less water. Drip irrigation method requires even less water. There is no risk of it grazing or getting insects.
Dragon Fruit Starting Cost
Gaya Prasad, a dragon fruit farmer in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, says that the initial cost of one acre is about two and a half to three lakhs. After that, only general maintenance is spent. While this can yield dragon fruit for 25 years. Its cultivation produces 10 tonnes of dragon fruit per acre. This earns 6 to 7 lakh rupees.
Dragon fruit is very beneficial
Dragon fruit is said to be very beneficial in increasing immunity, reducing cholesterol, increasing hemoglobin, for heart patients, for healthy hair and skin, for weight loss, in cases of diseases like diabetes and cancer. Because of so many qualities, it is also called ‘superfruit’. They are attractive to look at. Beta-carotene and lycopene are also found in dragon fruit rich in vitamin-C, iron, fibers and anti-oxidants and fibers. Taking carotenoid rich food also reduces the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Dragon fruit is also unique for those who do not find food made from whole grains palatable, because they are also rich in fibers. They are said to be very beneficial for patients suffering from serious diseases. Dragon fruit strengthens our immunity ie immune system and keeps digestion right.
Source: dainikbhaskarup.com
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