September 15, 2024 | The New Indianexpress |
Farmers in Dharmapuri are turning to drought-resistant dragon fruit cultivation due to consecutive monsoon failures. The district typically receives around 942 mm of rainfall, but last year saw only 636 mm, and this year has recorded just 421.49 mm. This severe decline in rainfall has prompted farmers to seek more resilient crop options.
R. Tamilmani, a farmer from Chatrapatti village, noted that traditional crops like paddy and turmeric often fail due to high water needs and low profits. In contrast, dragon fruit, which grows on cacti, requires minimal water and investment while offering significant returns, fetching around Rs 150 per kg in the market. Tamilmani explained that he can grow up to 1,000 plants per acre, with each plant costing about Rs 50 and lasting up to 15 years.
Another farmer, R. Murali from Adhiyamankottai, highlighted the low water requirement—only 2 to 3 liters per week—and the manageable flowering season from May to October, during which farmers primarily need to pollinate the plants. Each dragon fruit plant can yield seven to eight fruits every 30 days.
An official from the horticulture department noted the rising popularity of dragon fruit in Dharmapuri. Although cultivation began only two years ago, many farmers are investing in this lucrative crop, indicating promising growth potential in future production.