Are you interested in Dragon Fruit Farming in India?
If so, then we can help you do this. The first step is to understand what exactly you mean by dragon fruit. Here are the details about the cultivation of dragon fruit and the various varieties.
Dragon fruit is a part of the ornamental climbing vines as well as the Cactaceae species. The flavor from this fruit tastes mildly sweet and crunchy and its attractive appearance by its pink and green skin as well as the scales. The fruit was named a dragon fruit due to its scaly appearance. It is much like a dragon’s scale. The size of the fruit is 6-12cm, it’s shape is oval. It is white in its pulp which is packed with edible black seeds. If you’re interested in commercially-produced dragon fruit cultivation is the right place!
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It is most commonly known mostly throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, and Sri Lanka, but it is also growing in India. The cost of dragon fruit for a kilogram of India is around Rs. 150 to 250. The most fruit production is in areas where rainfall is less likely. This is why you can consider it as a decorative climbing vine as well as a producing fruit plant. In addition, the benefits of this fruit include: eating it fresh as a fruit or making jams, fruit juices as well as jelly, ice creams, wine, and face packs. The various names for this fruit are Pitaya, Pitahaya, queen of the night, strawberry pear, and noblewoman around the globe.
Table of Contents
How to Do Dragon Fruit Farming in India
Let’s discuss how to grow dragon fruit. In this article, we’ll provide you with information about
- The climate requirements for dragon fruit farming
- The soil is suitable for the cultivation of dragon fruit
- Land preparation for Dragon fruit agriculture
- Dragon fruit plantation method
- The training from the plant known as dragon fruit
- Dragon fruit fertilizer and manure
- dragon fruit Irrigation
- Diseases and pests
- Dragon fruit harvesting
Let’s start by figuring out how to set up the dragon fruit farm. What is the best place to grow dragon fruit thrive and others?
Climate Requirements For Dragon Fruit Farming
This fruit plant thrives in soil that is not well-drained and has temperatures fluctuating. Thus the conditions of the tropical climate are ideal for the cultivation of dragon fruit. An ideal amount of annual rainfall to support Protection Cultivation is 50cm. The temperatures for the cultivation of dragon fruits should be in the range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Dragon fruit plants will not withstand too much sun. If you’re planning to grow it in a sunny location, make sure you have shade.
Soil for Dragon Fruit Cultivation
It is possible to grow this fruit in various kinds of soil including clay loam to sandy loam. However, the best soil for cultivation is sandy soils that have good organic matter and a good drainage system. A pH between 5.5 -7 is ideal for farming dragon fruit.
Dragon Fruit Agriculture Land Preparation
It is necessary to cultivate your field until it attains its perfect tilth and is free of weeds. Then, you can apply any kind of organic compost in a proportionate amount.
Dragon Fruit Plantation Method
The most popular method of propagation for dragon fruit is through cuttings. But, you can also grow it through seeds. However, the seeds will take some time to develop and won’t carry on the nature of the mother plant. The seeds method is not the best option if you own a farm that produces commercially-produced dragon fruit. If you’re looking to reap the full benefits of Dragon fruit cultivation, it is recommended to utilize the plant cuttings from the best mother plant. It is recommended to use 20cm cuttings to plant within the garden. Additionally, you must stack the cuttings two days prior to planting.
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Then you can plant them by mixing the mix of cow dung that has been dried. The plant should be kept to a plant distance of 2 meters and two meters. It is necessary to dig 60cm x 60 centimeters x 60cm to determine the pit’s size. Additionally, you need to fill these pits with manure and topsoil. This includes 100 grams of superphosphate. There are 1800 plants on one acre of the land.
Training of the Dragon Fruit Plant
To reap the enormous Dragon fruit farming profits or to get the proper growth rate for your plants You must provide the foundation of wooden or concrete columns. It is essential to secure young plants to these columns. To ensure the health of the dragon bush you must make use of a circular or round metal frame.
Dragon Fruit Fertiliser and Manure
To ensure the proper progress and expansion of the plant organic manure plays essential function. It is essential to treat every plant with at least 10 to 15 kg of Organic compost. Following that, you will need to increase the amount of manure by 2kg per year. In addition to organic manure, it requires inorganic fertilizers to ensure excellent vegetative growth. The fertilizer ratio for the vegetative stage is muriate of potash:superphosphate: urea = 40:90:70 grams /plant.
It is also necessary to provide an ample amount of potash and a small amount of nitrogen during the stage of fruit-bearing. Different types of fertilizers should be applied in the flowering to harvesting stages, including Urea:superphosphate:muriate of potash = 50:50:100 grams/plant. This can be done prior to flowering when the fruit is growing, and then after harvesting. This can boost the efficiency of your farm’s dragon fruits. (Dragon Fruit Farming)
Dragon Fruit Irrigation
The plant needs less water than other plants. Therefore, you can water often during the blooming, planting, and stages of fruit development, and in hot/dry climate conditions. To make the most efficient use of water it is possible to utilize drip irrigation.
Pests and Diseases
This is the most significant benefit of this farming method since there are no pests or illnesses. This means that you can’t treat your plants with other chemicals. Thus, it lowers the cost of cultivating dragon fruit per acre.
Dragon Fruit Harvesting
Dragon fruit begins appearing on the plants at the beginning of the year. From August to December it begins to bear fruit and they are ready to harvest after a month of blooming. In addition, the flowering season extends until December. The picking of these fruits can be accomplished up to six times in this time. When the fruits begin to turn red, this is the ideal time to harvest them. The best time for harvesting is following 3-4 days of changing color. However, it is recommended to pick them up within a day of color change to allow export. There are 5-6 tons of harvest per acre.
In addition, we should learn about the various states in which you can practice the cultivation of dragon fruit Farming in India.
Dragon Fruit Farming in the Different States of India
Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit that is in high need in India. The demand for exotic fruit is growing however, the availability is very limited. This is why farming dragon fruit is lucrative in India. Therefore, Indian farmers are also taking a huge interest in this type of farming. The farmers of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are mostly involved in the commercial production of dragon fruits. Additionally, West Bengal, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are taking part in the cultivation of fruit.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is packed with health benefits and an exquisitely sweet flavor. Let’s take a look at the benefits listed below.
1. High in Nutrients
Dragon fruit contains a variety of nutrients that aid people to remain well and fit. The nutrients include:
- Calories: 136
- Protein: 3 grams
- 7 grams of Fibre
- Iron: 8% of the RDI
- Fat 0.01 grams
- Carbohydrates 29 grams
- Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
- Dragon Fruit Farming
2. Fight Chronic Disease
Dragon Fruit has several types of powerful antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals in order to stop inflammation and cell damage.
- Vitamin C: Studies have shown that vitamin C intake lowers cancer chance.
- Betalains are a powerful antioxidant that fights the effects of oxidative stress and may also help to inhibit cancer cells.
- Carotenoids: Carotenoids can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
3. Good Source of Fibre
Health authorities advise 38 grams of fiber to men, and women 25g each day. However, fiber is well-known for its function in digestion. It can also be beneficial for reducing heart disease as well as controlling the type 2 diabetic condition, decreasing the possibility of colon cancer, and maintaining a healthy weight.
4. Strengthens Immune System
Your immune system (the body’s capability to fight off infection) is affected by many aspects, including your diet’s quality. Dragon fruit could enhance your body’s ability to fight infection and protect yourself from illness because of its carotenoids and vitamin C. It is also able to safeguard the white blood cells of your body from harm. (Dragon Fruit Farming)
5. Keeps a Healthy Gut
The microorganism community could influence your health, or imbalances that occur in the digestive system can increase the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease and asthma. This is why you should drink dragon fruit because it is a source of prebiotics. It helps help balance the good bacteria that live in your gut.
6. Boost Low Iron Levels
Dragon fruits are iron-rich fruit. Iron’s main function is to move oxygen around the body. It also plays an important function in breaking down calories in food to create energy.
7. Good Source of Magnesium
Dragon fruit is a great source of magnesium. It provides 18 percent of your RDA (Recommended daily intake) in only one cup. Furthermore that your body has more than 24g of magnesium.
Importance of Dragon Fruit
There are many other advantages of dragon fruit.
- Aids in lowering cholesterol levels
- Aids in weight loss
- Rich in protein and fats.
- Excellent source of antioxidants.
- It helps in preventing arthritis
- Aids in improving the health of your heart.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Aids in fighting the signs of aging
- Asthma prevention is easier with this product.
Dragon Fruit Varieties
There are a variety of dragon fruit varieties readily available and are grown throughout the globe.
1. Hylocereus Updates
The other name is Pitahaya. It has pink skin and white flesh. It has a 6-12cm length with a thickness of 4-9 centimeters and delicious black seeds. It is well-known among different kinds of dragon fruit.
2. Hylocereus Polyrhizus
Red Pitaya is the other name for this variety, it has red flesh, and it’s pinkish skin. The home country of this kind of fruit is Mexico however, it is offered in many nations. This variety is highly profitable in various dragon fruits.
3. Hylocereus Costaricencis
The other name for this kind of plant is Costa Rican Pitaya, native to Costa Rica. It has red-violet flesh with pink skin. The fruit is magenta, as well as the seeds, are shape-like pear. It is possible to grow this type of fruit called the dragon in India.
4. Hylocereus (Selenicereus) Megalanthus
It’s indigenous in South America and renowned for its yellow flesh and white skin. It’s gorgeous among the other varieties of dragon fruit.
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Although the leathery and thick flesh of the dragon fruit might appear daunting, eating it is fairly easy. Dragon fruit that is not ripe will be green, so be sure to look at the vibrant red fruit. There are some spots that are normal however, too many spots could indicate that the fruit is overripe. Mature dragon fruit should not be mushy, like avocado or Kiwi.
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Learn the best way to eat dragon fruits.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit lengthwise in half.
- Scoop up the white pulp using the help of a spoon.
- It is possible to cut the pulp into cubes, without cutting the peel.
- Then, push the skin backward on the skin to reveal the cubes.
- You can now enjoy it or even add the salad dressing.
Dragon Fruit Cultivation Bottom Line
You must prepare your own business plan for the dragon fruit in order to start farming. This will include the cost of growing dragon fruit per acre, the location where it is grown and the best place you can sell Dragon fruit in India, and many other aspects. Furthermore, it’s profitable farming. If you plan to make it commercially profitable then go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions for Dragon Fruit Farming
Que. Where can dragon fruit be grown?
Ans. Dragon fruits are grown in tropical environments and areas where less rainfall is expected.
Que. Where can I buy dragonfruit in India?
Ans. Dragon fruits can be sold on the market in your country or exported to other countries.
Que. What is the best way to grow dragon fruit?
Ans. Create a Dragon Fruit business plan and grow it with ease.
Que. Dragon fruit can possibly be planted in India?
Ans. Dragon fruit is a real possibility to be grown in a variety of states in India including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, and more.
Que. What is the profit potential of farming dragon fruit?
Ans. Dragon fruit farming is very profitable. It is possible to earn an annual net profit of 4 lakhs for a single acre of Dragon fruit farm.
Que. Are there any demands to purchase dragonfruit in India?
Ans. Dragon fruit is in high popularity in Indian cities because of its nutritional importance.
Que. How long will dragon fruits require to produce fruit?
Answer. Dragon fruit plants produce fruit at the beginning of the year.
Que. What is the dragon price for fruit cultivating per acre?
Answer. Rs 3 to 4 Lakh is the estimated per-acre cost of cultivating dragon fruit.