April 1, 2025 | Krishi Jagran |
Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has received two Indian patents for innovative hand-held tools designed to improve dragon fruit harvesting. These low-cost, farmer-friendly tools aim to enhance safety, efficiency, and profitability for growers. Traditional harvesting methods involved twisting the fruit off its stem, often damaging the plant and reducing the fruit's quality and shelf life. The new tools offer a more precise and gentle approach, preserving plant health and increasing returns.
The tools were developed by a research team including Dr Wasim Siddiqui, Dr Shamim, and others, and are suited for both small-scale and commercial farmers. Their compact, durable, and easy-to-use design is especially beneficial in rural areas with limited access to advanced equipment.
This innovation aligns with Bihar’s Dragon Fruit Vikas Yojana, which offers a 40% subsidy to promote large-scale cultivation in 21 districts. The initiative aims to diversify agriculture and increase farmer incomes.
BAU Vice Chancellor Dr D R Singh emphasized the importance of such innovations in transforming Bihar’s agricultural landscape by making farming more profitable and less labor-intensive. As dragon fruit grows in popularity for its nutritional benefits, the patented tools are expected to support and expand cultivation efforts across the state.
