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
April 10, 2025 | HAI DUONG | Farmers in Thanh Ha district, Vietnam, are working diligently to ensure a successful lychee season by blending traditional practices with modern agricultural techniques. C
May 04, 2025 | Northwest Arkansas Newspapers | Guatemala is preparing to enter the U.S. avocado market after gaining import approval in late 2023, but has yet to send its first shipment. President Ber
March 19, 2025 | Philippine News Agency | The Philippines’ pineapple industry is set to become more robust in 2024, with projected production expected to surpass 3.12 million metric tons, up from 2.9
February 14, 2025 | Farmers Review Africa | Kenya has approved the nationwide release of Acerophagus papayae wasps to combat the invasive papaya mealybug, a pest causing significant crop losses. The C
April 22, 2025 | vnExpress | China’s domestic durian industry, centered in Hainan province, is growing rapidly but still lags far behind Southeast Asian suppliers in scale and competitiveness. Hainan