Dragon fruit is derived from attractive climbing vines and belongs to the Cactaceae family. This exotic fruit is famous for its vibrant pink or yellow skin and white or red flesh. This oval-shaped fruit typically measures 6-12 cm in size. It is a cactus species that requires minimal water and thrives in dry, sunny conditions. This makes it ideal for regions with arid and semi-arid climates. Its farming is also known as pitaya or pitahaya farming in some parts of India. The fruit is gaining popularity due to the fruit’s exotic appeal, nutritional health benefits and market demand.
Dragon fruit cultivation in India has rapidly grown in popularity. It is a valuable crop that generates large profits for producers. Progressive Indian farmers have started producing dragon fruit in several different states. However, very few farmers are aware that it can be farmed.
Because of its low maintenance requirements and excellent profitability, more farmers are planting this fruit. If you’d like to grow dragon fruit, follow this guide for a complete growing strategy.
Top 4 Varieties of Dragon Fruit in India:
In India, farmers cultivate several varieties of dragon fruit. Each variety is distinguished by its unique colour and taste. The primary varieties which are available in India include:
- White-Fleshed Pitaya
- Red-Fleshed Pitaya
- Yellow Pitaya
- Pink-Fleshed Pitaya
Top Dragon Fruit Growing States in India:
Many farmers have begun to cultivate this fruit due to its great profitability and low maintenance requirements. The following table lists some of the major Indian states where farmers grow dragon fruit.
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
7 Reasons to Eat Dragon Fruit Daily:
Dragon fruit is a powerhouse of various nutrients that are important for our body. If you eat dragon fruit daily, you can get the below-mentioned benefits of this fruit.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
- Boosts the immune system
- Good for skin health
- Low in calories
- Rich in fibre and antioxidants
- Improves gut health
- Have anti-cancer properties
Dragon Fruit Cultivation Steps:
In dragon fruit farming, various steps are there like weather conditions, soil preparation, plantation, irrigation, harvesting etc. You can read about these steps in detail below.
Weather Conditions:
The following weather conditions are important to get high-quality dragon fruits.
- Climate: The dragon fruit can grow both in tropical as well as subtropical climates. However, its nature is more suited to warm temperatures.
- Temperature: The ideal dragon fruit growing temperature ranges from 20°C-30°C. While it can withstand 40°C, extreme temperatures affect flowering and fruiting.
- Sunlight: It needs direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours. Shaded conditions result in poor growth and fruit development.
- Rainfall: Despite the fact that the plant is resistant to drought, it still requires moderate rainfall. Excessive rain with poor drainage can lead to root rotting.
Soil Preparation:
To effectively prepare the soil for dragon fruit cultivation, one can check the requirements of the soil.
- Soil Type: Sandy loam, well-drained soil with a pH value of 5.5-7, is ideal for dragon fruit.
- Ploughing: Clear the weeds and unwanted materials from the land and plough it up to a depth of about 30 cm. Farmers can purchase a mahindra rotavator and attach it to the tractor for effective ploughing of their land.
- Fertilization: Add organic manure or compost to enrich soil fertility.
Plantation:
While starting the plantation process for dragon fruit, the following steps need to be followed.
- Cuttings: Use healthy cuttings from mature dragon fruit plants.
- Spacing: Plant cuttings 2-3 meters apart in rows.
- Planting Time: The best time for planting dragon fruit is during the monsoon season, ensuring the soil is moist.
- Properly prepare the soil: Use a Shaktiman rotavator to prepare the soil, ensuring it is well aerated for optimal root growth.
- Support: Use trellises or poles for the plants to climb, ensuring proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.
Irrigation:
To water the dragon fruit plants, one can check the important irrigation methods for this fruit below.
- Watering: Watering should be done without waterlogged conditions.
- Frequency: Depending on the moisture of the soil, the plants should be watered once or twice a week.
- Irrigation System: Drip irrigation is recommended to provide continuous moisture without waterlogging.
Pest and Disease Management:
Following are some of the common pests and diseases of dragon fruit and their control methods.
- Common Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, and ants are some of the general insects that harm dragon fruits.
- Control: Farmers should apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests.
- Diseases: Some common fungal diseases that affect this fruit include anthracnose and root rot.
- Prevention: Ensure proper drainage and avoid excessive watering. Use fungicides if necessary.
Harvesting:
This is one of the most crucial activities involved in dragon fruit farming. You can refer to the list below in order to learn how to harvest a dragon fruit correctly.
● Timeframe: Plants start producing fruit 1-2 years after planting.
● Indicators: Harvest when the fruit skin colour is bright and scales (small, leafy structures) begin to wrinkle.
● Frequency: Collect fruit at 2-3 week intervals in the fruiting season. Additionally, farmers can use a tractor trailer to transfer dragon fruits to markets.
Post-Harvesting:
Once all the above-mentioned steps are completed, the post-harvesting step comes in. Followings are the crucial post-harvesting steps, one must consider.
- Cleaning: Rinse the fruits gently to remove any dirt or residue.
- Sorting: Sort the fruits based on size, colour, and quality. Remove any damaged or diseased fruits.
- Storage: To extend the shelf life of harvested fruits, store them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.
- Marketing: Pack and transport the fruits to markets or buyers.
Conclusion:
Dragon fruit farming is a promising agricultural venture because the plants can adapt to various climates and need little water. More people worldwide are becoming aware of its health benefits. Hence, this exotic fruit’s demand is increasing day by day. This makes dragon fruit farming a profitable option for farmers. Dragon fruit farming not only provides economic opportunities but also supports sustainable agricultural practices for the future.