Farmers eye dragon fruit cultivation amid rising demand, promise of good returns

A growing number of farmers on the outskirts of Ludhiana are turning their attention to dragon fruit, an exotic crop known for its high market value and nutritional benefits.

In a bid to support this shift, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organised a one-day training programme on ‘Dragon fruit cultivation in Punjab’ under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM).

Held at the PAU’s fruit research farm, the session drew 21 farmers from across the state, with a notable presence from villages surrounding the city, including Mullanpur, Jagraon and Dehlon.

“I’ve been growing kinnow and guava for years, but dragon fruit seems promising,” said Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Mullanpur. “The market demand is rising, and I want to be ahead of the curve.”

Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, Principal Fruit Scientist at the PAU, emphasised the crop’s global reputation as a ‘super fruit’ due to its health benefits. “Dragon fruit offers high economic returns, but it demands technical precision and investment,” he noted.

“Training is crucial for farmers to succeed.” Farmers were briefed on scientific practices, pest management and post-harvest techniques. Dr Trina Adhikary from the College of Horticulture and Forestry highlighted the crop’s expanding footprint in India and its potential in Punjab’s agro-climatic conditions.

“We’ve got sandy loam soil and good sunlight—perfect for dragon fruit,” said Gurpreet Kaur from Jagraon. “But I didn’t know how to prune or manage pests until today’s session.”

Dr Amrinder Kaur Brar Singh and Dr Sandeep Singh addressed common diseases and insect threats, offering practical solutions tailored to local conditions. The highlight of the day was a field visit to the PAU’s dragon fruit experimental area, where farmers saw live demonstrations and interacted with experts. Many expressed enthusiasm about diversifying their orchards.

“I’m planning to start with half an acre,” said Baldev Singh from Dehlon. “It’s a risk, but with the PAU’s guidance, I feel confident.”

As Punjab looks to diversify its horticulture portfolio, dragon fruit may well become the next big opportunity—especially for Ludhiana’s enterprising farmers.