Dragon Fruit Farming: A Profitable Agri-Business Trend
Dragon fruit cultivation is gaining popularity as a high-value, recent farming trend in India. In this Agriyouth Story blog, we explore the complete details of dragon fruit farming from cultivation practices to production techniques – highlighting its potential as a profitable and sustainable agri-business.
Introduction
Dragon fruit (Pitaya) is a tropical fruit that belongs to the cactus family (Cactaceae). It is known for its unique appearance, vibrant color, and health benefits.
The native of dragon fruit is Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. In India the states like Karnatka, Kerala ,Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have taken up dragon fruit cultivation.
Majority of the dragon fruits now widely available in Indian markets are imported from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Srilanka.
Varieties: Red Pithaya, Pitaya Roja, Pitaya Amarilla, Yellow pitahaya, Alice, American beauty, Bloody mary, Cosmic Charlie, Costarican sunset, Dark star, David bowiea and Delight.
One of the widely grown cultivars and most commonly available dragon fruit is red colour epicarp with white and pink pulped sub- sweet juicy pulp matrix. Varieties suitable for India are pink,jumbo red, white.
Why dragon fruit farming?
High Export Demand
Huge domestic demand, Less supply
Needs less water and Maintenance
Highly nutritious fruit, Good for diabetic patients.
Low pest and Disease occurance.
Dragon fruit Nutrition
In one 170 g serving of dragon fruit cubes,you will get:
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Calories
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102 kcal
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Protein
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2g
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Carbohydrates
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22g
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Sugars
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13g
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The remaining 38g is mostly water (approx 140–145g in total), plus trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are naturally present but don’t contribute significantly to calories or macronutrient counts.
Dragon fruit Health Benefits:
Its rich in antioxidants like flavanoids, phenolic acid and betacyanin. These natural substances protect cells from damage.
Its naturally fat free and high in fiber.
It may help lower your blood sugar.
It can strengthen your immune system.
It contains protein as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Warm, tropical, and subtropical climates with temperatures between 20°C – 35°C are suitable. It thrives in areas with moderate rainfall (600-1300 mm annually).
Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6-7. Avoid waterlogged conditions. It should have ample sunlight for 6-8 hrs.
Propagation Methods
Seeds: It takes 4-5 years for fruiting.
Cuttings: Cutting is the most common method, starts fruiting within 1-2 years.
Planting and Spacing
Spacing: 3 x 2 m.
Support System: Use concrete or wooden poles(7 feet height) with circular disc at top for climbing support (500 poles/acre).
Plant Density: About 1700-2000 plants/ha. Plant four saplings for each pole ( 2000 saplings per acre).
Planting season:June-Aug
Irrigation
Irrigation is required twice a week during dry seasons.
Reduce supply of water during flowering and fruiting to avoid rot.
Drip irrigation is recommended.
Fertilization and Manuring
When planting,apply 10-15 kg of FYM and 100g of SSP/plant hill.
NPK recommended- For Young plants – 40:30:60 kg/ha and for mature bearing plants – 100:50:150 kg/ha
Add potassium and phosphorus fertilizers before flowering.
Weed Management
Common weeds: crabgrass, bindweed and purslane.
Control measures:
Hand weeding
Use of weed mat for weed control and soil moisture conservation.
Natural herbicides: Clove oil(Eugenol), vinegar-based solutions, corn gluten meal.
Pre-emergence herbicides like Indaziflam, or post-emergence herbicides like
Glufosinate.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, ants, and fruit flies.
Diseases: Root rot, anthracnose, and stem canker.
Control Measures:
Use neem oil or organic pesticides.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune infected branches.
Spray chlorothalonil or mancozeb at 2g/l to control anthracnose.
Use copperoxy chloride to manage Bacterial Root Rot.
Flowering and Pollination
Dragon fruit flowers at night and is pollinated by bats, moths, or hand pollination.
Flowering occurs 1-2 years after planting and continues multiple times a year.
After care
Regularly prune the plants to obtain an open and manageable umbrella shape canopy which will induce new shoots for the next cropping season. The well grown vine may produce 30 to 50 branches in one year and may be more than 100 branches in-four years.
Harvesting and Yield
Harvesting Time: 30-50 days after flowering.
Signs of Ripeness:
• Bright skin color (red, yellow, or pink).
• Scales (leaf-like projections) turn dry and slightly brown.
• Soft texture when pressed.
Yield per Plant: 10-15 kg annually.
Yield per Hectare: 15-20 tons.
Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing
Storage: Can be stored for 2-3 weeks at 8-10°C.
Packaging: Use ventilated boxes to avoid bruising.
Markets: Sold in fresh markets, supermarkets, or exported.
Value-Added Products: Juice, jam, dried fruit, and cosmetics are some of the value added products of dragon fruit.
Market Potential: According to the recent report published by Mordar Intelligence (2020), the global market of dragon fruit is projected to register a CAGR of 3.7% over a period of next five years.
Unripen fruit
Ripen fruit
Cost of cultivation:
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Cost of Planting material
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Cost of one seedling Rs.20/plant. Therefore for 4000 plants ,it costs around Rs 80,000.
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Cost of land/rental value of farm
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Rs.50,000/annum/ha
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Cost of drip irrigation system
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Rs 40,000/ha
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Cost of drip irrigation system
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Rs.4.40 lakhs/ha
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Labour cost in dragon fruit farm
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Rs.60,000 for one skilled labour or worker and for local labours Rs.2.26lakh/ha by paying 5000/month.
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Cost of manures, fertilizers and nutrients
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Rs 65,000/ha
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Cost of pesticides
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Rs 25,000/ha/yr
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Cost of intercultural operations
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Rs 1,86,000 for 1 yr
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The annual cost of dragon fruit production varies, but can range from ₹3,17,244 to ₹8,29,393 per hectare, including establishment and maintenance costs, and can yield a profit of around ₹6,74,158 per hectare.
Marker price- Rs.100-300/kg depending on Market.
Yield and returns from dragon fruit:
Government Schemes
Horticulture Mission for North and Himalayan States(HMNEH) is one of the sub schemes for Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) which is implemented by State Horticulture Missions(SHM) in the North Eastern States and Himalayan States.For availing benefits and assistance farmers/beneficiaries should contact horticulture officer of concerned district. Operational guidelines, cost of norms, different interventions being promoted under the mission.
Conclusion
Dragon fruit if adopted in water scarce regions can prove to be an asset to smallholders as well as entrepreneur farmers. It is a fast return perennial fruit with high yield, as regular bearing brings steady income to the growers. Dragon fruit farming is profitable with low maintenance and high returns. With proper care, good soil, and efficient marketing, farmers can achieve sustainable production.
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Neha Gudimetla
