The exotic dragon fruit now grows in Dindigul
July 10, 2024 | The Hindu |
In Dindigul district, A. Susaimanickam from Velankannipuram successfully grows dragon fruits on his one-acre farm at Sirumalai's foothills. Transitioning from grapes due to low profits and high maintenance, Susaimanickam started cultivating dragon fruits two years ago. Inspired by YouTube videos, his family planted 4,000 saplings using trellis and ring-type planting methods, leading to a ₹80,000 profit in the first year.
With initial expenses around ₹6 lakh, 2,000 saplings now yield about 20 kg of fruit each. They sell dragon fruits for ₹160-₹200 per kg locally and in markets. The cactus, being drought-resistant and low-maintenance, requires minimal labor and infrequent drip irrigation.
Despite some challenges with ant infestations, the family manages the farm largely independently, only needing occasional labor for initial setup and manure application. The plants are expected to yield fruit for fifteen years.
Despite the exotic fruit status preventing bank loans, they received a government subsidy and praise from the Horticulture department. Susaimanickam hopes more farmers will adopt dragon fruit cultivation due to its profitability and low maintenance.
Read more
Viewed Articles
July 10, 2024 | The Hindu | In Dindigul district, A. Susaimanickam from Velankannipuram successfully grows dragon fruits on his one-acre farm at Sirumalai's foothills. Transitioning from grapes du
Read More
September 24, 2025 | The Daily Star | Bangladesh’s mango exports rebounded in 2025, reaching 2,194 tons, a 66 percent rise from last year’s 1,321 tons. Improved fruit quality and better compliance wit
November 11, 2025 | Taipei Times | Taiwan-grown kiwifruit are more expensive than imported ones due to their limited supply, but they are valued for their sweetness and delicate texture. According to
November 18, 2025 | Jamaica Information Service | The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans can still purchase coconut water from the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) in Kingston. CIB Chief E
August 23, 2025 | Times of Indie | Farmers in Prayagraj are increasingly adopting the fruit bagging technique to protect dragon fruit crops during the monsoon season. This method involves enclosing in
November 15, 2025 | The Express Newspaper | Lychee farming is expanding in Queensland’s Tablelands and the Mareeba–Dimbulah Irrigation Area, where about 40 farms operate. According to the Department o
