December 18, 2024 | Krishak Jagat |
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (ICAR-IIVR) has introduced successful intercropping of dragon fruit with marigold to enhance farmers' income and production. In collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Bhadohi, Deoria, and Kushinagar, the initiative aims to improve socio-economic conditions and promote entrepreneurship, especially among rural youth. Seemant Mishra, a graduate in Horticulture, applied the model on his 0.25-hectare farm, planting 444 dragon fruit plants and intercropping with marigold, coriander, Kasuri methi, tomato, and chilli. Within three months, Mishra earned ₹15,000 in net profit from marigold sales, with a B:C ratio of 1.67. Encouraged by the success, Mishra expanded his efforts, planting 3,500 marigold saplings. As dragon fruit began producing high-quality fruits, their innovative intercropping method attracted attention from nearby farmers and rural youth, prompting them to adopt the practice. The initiative demonstrates the potential of combining diversified crops to improve farm productivity and rural livelihoods.
