Dragon Fruit Farming: How much is the cost of dragon fruit farming and what is the market? Know from farmer Sunil

Dragon Fruit Farming: Farmers have now started looking for an alternative to traditional farming. They are focusing on tree farming and fruit farming. In this series, ‘Kisan of India’ has brought answers to questions related to dragon fruit farming. Farmer Sunil Vijayvargiya told many details related to dragon fruit farming. Along with this, he also gave important information about the cost and profit in dragon fruit farming. He also gives training to farmers.

What is dragon fruit?

Sunil Vijayvargiya tells that dragon fruit is a cactus variety. This crop grows even in less water. That is why it is found in drought-prone areas. It is cultivated more in Central Europe, Thailand, Indonesia. Dragon fruit came to India 15 years ago. Dragon fruit cultivation started in the Kutch area of ​​Gujarat. It was cultivated in other states of South India including Hyderabad of Telangana. Now for some time, dragon fruit cultivation has started all over India.

How to start dragon fruit farming?

The right time to cultivate dragon fruit is from June to December, when you can cultivate it. About two thousand plants can be planted in one acre. You can get dragon fruit plants from the nursery. To cultivate it, a pillar of seven and a half feet is installed. A ring of iron rods is placed on top of it. Four plants can easily fit in this structure. This structure is made of iron rods and cement. If the farmer does not have rings, then the farmer can also use tires.

250 pillars are installed in one bigha. In this way, farmers can plant thousands of plants in one bigha. Special attention has to be paid to the cost and profit in dragon fruit cultivation. The cost of one acre is about three lakh to three and a half lakh rupees. There is a pillar of seven and a half feet. The cost of the pillar is 200 to 250 rupees. The ring on the pillar costs about 200 rupees.

Varieties of Dragon Fruit

Sunil tells that there are many improved varieties of dragon fruit. It is a cactus breed. If we talk about its improved varieties, then there are Thailand Red, Indonesia, Israeli Red, Israeli Yellow, Israeli Vietnam Jumbo Variety (500 grams fruit), Murkand (250 to 300 grams fruit), American Beauty (its price in the market is 800 to 1000 rupees) etc.

Soil Requirement In Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Sunil tells that dragon fruit can be cultivated in all types of soil like red, black, smooth, goradhu, stony, loamy. Dragon fruit cultivation has also given good results in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

When and how to irrigate dragon fruit? (Irrigation In Dragon Fruit)

Dragon fruit can be cultivated in less water. The temperature should be between 10 degrees to 45 degrees. Irrigation should be done by fountain method. Irrigation should be done less. Excessive irrigation damages its roots. If the field gets filled with water, then there should be a drainage system. Irrigation should be done only once or twice in a month. Along with this, farmers can also use green net. Green net protects dragon fruit from heat.

Diseases in Dragon Fruit Farming

Fungal diseases are the most common disease in dragon fruit farming. If fungus has infected the crop, then pesticides have to be sprayed every 15 days. To avoid this disease, vermicompost should be used first. If fungus also occurs in the plant, then vermiwash, Jeevamrit, Neem Cake should be used. 25 grams of these medicines should be mixed in 15 liters of water. There are many types of medicines. For all fungal diseases of dragon fruit, you can consider using copper fungicide. You can start with hydrogen peroxide spray or cinnamon dusting for minor infections.

What is the price and profit of dragon fruit? (Cost & Benefits Of Dragon Fruit Farming)

Talking about earning from dragon fruit, right now dragon fruit is being sold in the market for two hundred and fifty to three hundred rupees per kilogram. Dragon fruit is also used by many pharma companies. It is also used to make juice. Farmers get their first yield of three to four lakh rupees. Farmers cover their expenses in the first year. Farmers start earning profit in the second year. Dragon fruit can be stored for a long time. One acre gives a yield of 4 to 5 tonnes.

Dragon Fruit Farming Training

Farmers should first select the soil for dragon fruit cultivation. We recommend using manure made from the dung of the local cow. Pillar pits are dug as per 8 by 10. The pit is dug one and a half feet deep. For the strength of the pillar, the pillar is buried one and a half feet. The distance between one pillar and another is kept six feet. The plant should be planted three to four inches deep in the soil. Four plants come in one pillar. After this, vermicompost is added to the plant. We refuse to use chemicals for one year. Farmers can grow other crops along with dragon fruit. 

Frequently asked questions on dragon fruit cultivation

Question: What is the price of 1 kg dragon fruit in the market?

Answer: Currently, dragon fruit is being sold in the market for 250 to 300 rupees per kilogram.

Question: In how many days does a dragon fruit plant bear fruit?

Answer: Dragon fruit is produced in one year. The farmer gets profit in the second year. The investment of the farmers is recovered in the first year’s production.

Question: Which fertilizer should the farmer use for dragon fruit?

Answer: Farmers should use vermicompost fertilizer in their dragon fruit cultivation.

Question: How many dragon fruit plants can be planted in one acre of land?

Answer: In dragon fruit cultivation, about two thousand plants come in one acre.

Question: Which soil is best for dragon fruit?

Answer: Dragon fruit can be cultivated in red, black, smooth, sandy, stony, loamy and all types of soil.

Question: How can farmers protect dragon fruit from sunlight?

Answer: Farmers can use green shade net. Green net protects dragon fruit from heat.