TN: Dragon Fruit Cultivation Gets Subsidy In Vellore

According to a note from the department, dragon fruit is cultivated in around 6.5 ha in Gudiyatham and Pernambut blocks in Vellore district and is emerging as a high-value fruit crop with good potential for diversification of horticultural farming in the district.

It is a perennial crop, relatively drought-tolerant and suitable for cultivation under well-drained soils with assured drip irrigation. The crop is generally propagated through healthy stem cuttings and trained on permanent RCC / concrete support poles, accommodating about 4,444 plants per ha, says the note.

Regular pruning, fertigation, proper irrigation, pollination and summer heat management are important for obtaining good yield and fruit quality, adds the note.

As dragon fruit is a nutritious, low-calorie fruit containing dietary fibre, carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and antioxidant compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids, there is an increasing demand for it as a functional food, points out the note.

The fruit sees increasing demand in urban markets, supermarkets, speciality fruit outlets, hotels and restaurants due to its attractive appearance and nutritional value.

The crop generally starts commercial bearing from the second year, with yield increasing as the plantation matures. Under good management, approximately 25-35 kg of fruit per support/pole can be obtained, says the note.

According to the department, at present, farmers send the fruits to the local market, Koyambedu, and Bengaluru markets.