Farmers push for dragon fruit cultivation

KARACHI:

Progressive farmers have urged the government to provide at least one acre of land to poor farmers in Gandap district to grow dragon fruit. They argued that the country could become one of the leading exporters due to suitable weather conditions, potentially earning significant foreign exchange.

They suggested the government to give some incentives to needy farmers such as a free piece of land up to one acre, installation of a small solar system and borehole facilities. These farmers can help eliminate unemployment caused by continuous layoffs from Karachi’s seven industrial zones, where factories are not economically viable due to excessive energy costs and ill-informed government policies.

Thousands of acres of barren land in Gandap could be used to promote the cultivation of dragon fruit, one of the most expensive fruits in the world for its health benefits and unique, sweet taste. Vietnam and Thailand are the leading fruit exporters, where almost all varieties are grown all year round due to favorable weather conditions.

The coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, from Thatta through Karachi to Hub, Gadani and other parts of Balochistan, are the most suitable places for dragon fruit cultivation. Farmers in these areas may have better yields compared to the rest of the country, as the temperature range of 10 to 40 degrees helps the plant grow well and quickly, providing an ideal climate that is neither too hot nor too cold.

Addressing concerns about global warming, they noted that the fruit season started about a month and a half late this year due to intense heat caused by climate change. Generally, fruit plants produce flower buds in May and after 45 days, the fruits ripen. The fruit maintains three cycles in one season, from May to October-November.

Captain Rizwan Rehman, Progressive Grower Owner of Delicious Dragon Fruit Farm and Nursery, and a practitioner of High Density Dragon Farming in Pakistan, said that due to its fast growth, popularity and health benefits, the fruit was sold for Rs 3,000 per kg in the wholesale market three years ago, but now sells at Rs1,500 per kg. A rooted plant is now bought at Rs 500 in the country and a single plant can produce at least 20 cuttings/rooted plants in a year.

He said, “I have grown more than 80 varieties and collected many of them, including Red Jam, Moroccan Red, Royal Red, Ruby Red, Philippine Purple, Vietnam Red, Vietnam White and the last variety,” dark star” during the current season. These commercial varieties have sugar levels from 16 brix to 19.5 brix, making them as sweet as mangoes. I also grow new varieties such as red velvet, Taiwan jumbo, Israeli yellow and others. I am researching better brix varieties because people love to eat sweet fruits here.”