Punjab’s fruit basket getting exotic with dragon fruit

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 27

Fruit crops can give a major push to crop diversification and bring out farmers entangled in the circle of wheat and paddy. Since the demand of exotic fruits is quite high in the market, it can not only help farmers fetch good returns but also combat challenges of the depleting water table and deteriorating soil health.

A tropical fruit, dragon fruit has increasingly become popular in the recent years among consumers for its unique taste, health benefits and among farmers for its low maintenance and high profitability.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has approved and recommended two varieties of dragon fruit suitable for commercial cultivation after research and evaluation for six years. Two varieties that have been approved by the PAU are red dragon 1 and white dragon 1 of which red pulped fruit is the preferred one among the masses. Their average yield after fourth year of planting is 8.35 kg/pillar and 8.75 kg/pillar, respectively.

Jaswinder Singh Brar, Principal Fruit Scientist, Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, said the PAU initiated research in 2016 and recommended two varieties for commercial cultivation in January last year and sale of plant cuttings started from July.

“On the basis of pulp colour, primarily dragon fruit is categorised into two groups; white pulped and red pulped. Red pulped variety is more popular and is rich in antioxidants as it has high content of phytochemicals such as beta-carotene, xanthophyll, phenols, flavanols etc. Dragon fruit is also rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium and various vitamins, and dietary fibres,” added Dr Brar.

The PAU has received unprecedented response for the fruit among the farmers and during the last Kisan Mela at Ludhiana where cuttings of dragon fruit were sold within two hours. It can be planted in July and August, bears fruit from July to November within three years and once planted, it may give fruits up to 20 years.

Points to be kept in mind while planting, mgmt

Growers should consider following points for establishment and management of dragon fruit farms.

Trina Adhikary and Gagandeep Kaur from the PAU share tips: Due to high initial investment and distinctive production technology, avoid planting large area under the fruit crop. The area may be increased in a phased manner.

The selection of variety is one of the most important points to be considered before commercial plantation of dragon fruit. The farmers should consult horticulture experts before planting in this regard. The quality planting material is pre-requisite for the success of the dragon fruit. Never go for the procurement of rooted cuttings or plants in polybags from other states as these may have nematode infestations.

Though the dragon fruit can be grown on wide variety of soils, sandy-loam soils with good drainage and rich in organic matter are highly suitable for its cultivation. Dragon fruit is also hardy to climatic conditions; however, extreme heat and frost may cause damage. It is light loving plant.

Planting of dragon fruit can be done in February- March and July-September. Organic matter in the form of well-rotten farm yard manure or gobar gas slurry plays key role in growth of plant and its fruit.