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December 14, 2025 | Times of India |

A farmer in Punjab’s Barnala district has successfully transformed his livelihood by shifting to dragon fruit cultivation. Satnam Singh began growing dragon fruit on just 0.25 acre in 2016, but after seeing strong profits, he expanded to four acres over nine years. He now earns high returns, harvesting about 30 quintals per acre and selling the fruit for over Rs 150 per kilogram. He mainly grows the American Beauty variety developed by Punjab Agricultural University, which is in strong demand locally.

Dragon fruit’s wide spacing allows intercropping with vegetables, pulses, mustard, and turmeric, generating extra income while improving soil health and reducing water use compared with the wheat-paddy cycle. Satnam also earns from selling saplings year-round, has planted sandalwood for long-term returns, and operates a net house to experiment with high-value vegetables.

His success has inspired other farmers in the district. Following a visit, the Barnala deputy commissioner directed agriculture officials to organize training camps and demonstrations to promote dragon fruit cultivation and crop diversification as a way to raise farm incomes.

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