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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.

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