May 21, 2024 | The Tribune India |
The cultivation of dragon fruit, a cactus with significant potential for high returns in water-scarce areas, is gaining traction among fruit-growers in the lower Kangra hills. Known for its health benefits, dragon fruit is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it attractive to growers.
Ghar Jarot village in Kangra district has emerged as a hub for dragon fruit cultivation, with the state Horticulture Department establishing a cluster-based Front-Line Demonstration (FLD) orchard in the area. Jeevan Singh Rana, a retired school lecturer, has successfully cultivated dragon fruit with technical guidance and financial support from the department, adopting the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming method.
Rana's success story includes earning profits from selling fruit yields locally and outside markets, as well as generating additional income by selling dragon fruit saplings. His experience has prompted him to encourage farmers to shift from cereal cultivation to dragon fruit cultivation in water-scarce regions.
Kamal Sen Negi, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, Dharamsala, highlights dragon fruit's higher profitability, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in water-scarce conditions. He emphasizes its multiple harvests per year and long-term sustainability, presenting an opportunity for small landholders in regions facing water scarcity.
