Do you want to grow a fruit from the tropics which looks breathtaking from outside with its rich coloration and, on the inside, has the potential to safeguard the health of the consumer. Welcome to the new world of dragon fruit farming in India. But have you ever thought about how and why dragon fruit farming is an incredibly viable business idea for agricultural production in India?
This guide will entail a systematic process for cultivating dragon fruit in India. This paper aims to unveil the history and circumstances surrounding dragon fruit production, as well as the critical parameters of the farm in India where this exotic product is grown and cultivated.
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is a uniquely exotic fruit that has recently attracted people’s attention. This fleshy and brightly colored fruit belongs to the cactus family and has continued to gain popularity among consumers, especially those who are concerned with their health.
Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit derived from the Hylocereus cactus plant. Its odd and appealing outer covering is pink or yellow with green, scaly-like ri, which corresponds to its name. Inside, the fruit is white to red and contains small black seeds, which are also edible.
The dragon fruit plant dates back to the regions of Mexico and other parts of Central and South America. If you are unaware “where is dragon fruit grown in India” then we must tell you that this fruit is cultivated in a few states in India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, have begun focusing on farming this particular fruit.
Dragon fruit farming offers a range of benefits for agricultural entrepreneurs in India, including:
You may find multiple data but honestly, dragon fruit’s season is from June to November in India.
However, it is essential that the farmer locate his farm perfectly in the case of dragon fruit farming in India. Climate and soil are the main factors that significantly affect the growth and yield of dragon fruit plants.
Dragon fruit, known scientifically as Hylocereus undatus, belongs to tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. The recommended climate for dragon fruit growth is in areas with temperature variations of 20- 35o C without much variation between seasons.
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These plants also need a fairly equable distribution of rainfall throughout the year, at least 600-800 mm, and they must not suffer from waterlogging. Some of the tropical and subtropical areas of India, including the coastal area or the southern region, seem to possess the most suitable climate for dragon fruit cultivation in India.
A dragon fruit farm needs well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6. 0 and 6. 5. The soil should be made up of organic matter since dragon fruit plants prefer areas with rich nutrients.
Dragon fruit crops should be cultivated in sandy loam or loamy soil textures because of their ability to support proper drainage and aeration of the plants. Heavy clay content should be avoided, as well as any place that has poor drainage.
Before you can start dragon fruit production in India, it’s essential to prepare the land properly. This involves two crucial steps:
Appropriate planting medium for dragon fruits includes loose wells, well-drained soils, and moderate content of nutrients. For the proper dragon fruit soil preparation, start by plowing the ground till the soil is to a depth of approximately 30- 45 centimeters.
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This will assist in preparing the soil by loosening its structure and introducing organic matter like compost, which helps the soil in fertility and ability to drain.
The planting of dragon fruit plants should be done on mounds of soils or beds because they make water drains well, so there is little chance of water logging. Spaced them 2-3 meters apart to allow for their trailing or climbing habit. Plant the young ones or the cutting with the base well embedded in the soil and the surrounding soil properly packed around their base.
The result will be a bounty of healthy dragon fruit cultivation in India, which will be the direct outcome of time and effort applied to the proper soil preparation and planting technique.
Cultivating a thriving dragon fruit farm in India requires meticulous attention to the essential aspects of plant care, including irrigation, fertilization, and pruning:
It is specifically essential to know that the dragon fruit plants need water frequently especially in the dry season of the year. Develop a sound dragon fruit irrigation system that adequately and appropriately waters the plants without watering their plants too often or at the wrong intervals that they get waterlogged.
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Apply both organic and inorganic fertilizers, considering the nutrient status of dragon fruit, to your plants to get the macronutrients along with the micronutrients.
Appropriate pruning and training are crucial in the growth and production of dragon fruit vines. Occasionally, trim your plants to remove any decaying, infected, or rank growth to influence the formation of a fast-growing, yielding canopy.
Also, to increase light penetration and airflow around the plants, teach them to climb trellises or other structures.
Pest attacks are generally inevitable, and farmers need to protect the general health and productivity of their dragon fruit farms from pest attacks and diseases that can affect the plants.
Some of the pests that may affect dragon fruit plants include mealy bugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. These pests may feed on the plant’s foliage, stems, and fruits, dwindling the vigor and growth and even leading to plant death if not intervened.
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To deal with the dragon fruit pest infestation, use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), from the regular release of predators of the pests, using natural and organic pesticides and inspecting the crop often.
Nevertheless, the main constraints on growing dragon fruits are pests and diseases, which include, for instance, anthracnose, stem rot, and bacterial wilt. If not controlled, these diseases may cause major problems for the health and productivity of the plant.
Prevent diseases from attaching themselves to the plants by using proper growing conditions, good hygiene, and resistant varieties where and when it is possible.
As your dragon fruit plants mature, it’s time to focus on the critical steps of harvesting and post-harvest handling:
The best time to pick this fruit is when the outer skin of the fruit becomes a bright pink color and the tips of the fruit seem to wilt slightly. To harvest, very carefully detach the fruit from the plant, leaving about one centimeter of the peduncle.
As with most fruits, dragon fruits should be handled gently, especially after they have been harvested. New three-elephant food can be stored in a cool, dry, and airy place, preferably at about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
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Transport your dragon fruit in firm and cushioned containers to ensure that it does not arrive damaged in the stores.
Research the market to find out where the primary outlets for the livestock are, for example, through the abattoir/wholesale, supermarkets, or direct sale. It is also essential that you cultivate business relationships with some of the local and regional distributors that can assist you in marketing your product to more customers. Overall, packaging and branding should be superior to reflect the business’s vision and differentiating factors in the dragon fruit product.
As a leading manufacturer of agricultural spray equipment, Krishispray has everything you need to ensure you grow dragon fruit successfully. Krishispray offers a range of spray machines, nozzles, and Italian spray guns designed for efficient and targeted application on your dragon fruit plants.
With the proper sprayers, you can optimize growth, combat pests, and diseases, and watch your dragon fruit flourish.
Now you have learned about the specific requirements for dragon fruit farming in India, you can start your dragon fruit farming and start earning from the growing demand for this nutritious and unique tropical fruit.
Q: Can you tell me dragon fruit is from which country?
A: Dragon fruit is originated from Southern Mexico and along the Pacific coasts of Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador.
Q: Where is dragon fruit grown in India?
A: Dragon fruit is primarily grown in southern, western, and northeastern regions of India. Including, Karnataka, Kerela, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha etc
Q: Can you tell me the dragon fruit season in India?
A: Dragon fruit is generally cultivated and harvested between June and November. However, weather variations and locations might impact the start and end date of dragon fruit season.
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