April 26, 2025 | The Voice |
A 90-minute demonstration on dragon fruit farming was held on April 23, 2025, at the Union Demonstration Farm in Saint Lucia as part of the “Seven Crops Project” led by the Taiwan Technical Mission. The event introduced an innovative, cost-effective farming structure using galvanized pipes, bamboo strips, and spring clips to replace traditional concrete poles. This setup supports heavy dragon fruit plants and is environmentally friendly, mobile, and boosts productivity.
Edward Wilson, Technical Production Officer for the project, explained that high initial costs and the challenge of sacrificing arable land had deterred many farmers. The new system addresses both concerns. Taiwan’s Johnson Yang emphasized dragon fruit’s profitability, with prices reaching $35/kg, and its ease of cultivation in both farms and home gardens.
Extension Officer Marakaiah Auguste highlighted the importance of crop diversification for sustaining livelihoods and praised the initiative for its practicality. Farmer Jamal Alexander, who recently transitioned to full-time farming, appreciated the demonstration’s insights and plans to use the improved system to increase yields.
The Taiwan Technical Mission also pledged to supply farmers with the needed spring clips. As demand for dragon fruit rises locally and globally, this initiative aims to empower Saint Lucian farmers to capitalize on its high market value.
