Nandapur, Dec 19 : With limited profits from traditional farming, farmers are now showing interest in cultivating high-value crops to secure long-term income. To support this shift, the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments of the government, along with various voluntary organizations, are encouraging farmers to adopt organic methods for cultivating commercially profitable crops.
Cultivation of dragon fruit on upland and hilly land has now emerged as the first choice among women farmers in Koraput district.
In Chhaparam village of Khurji Panchayat under Nandapur block, women farmers such as Kamala Sakiya, Subarna Sakiya, Ghumu Sakiya, Saita Hantal, Asadi Hantal, and C. Eshwari of Nalatuya village, have started experimental dragon fruit cultivation on 20 decimals of land. Similarly, farmer Eshwari of Doraguda village has cultivated dragon fruit on 2.5 hectares, with harvesting beginning this year.
Recently, District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan visited Chhaparam village, inspected the fields, interacted with farmers, and encouraged them.
Experts state that dragon fruit requires very little water and can be cultivated on hilly and uneven land. With minimal maintenance and low investment, harvesting begins within 12 to 18 months after planting and continues for 20 to 25 years. Each plant can yield around 15 kilograms annually, while per-acre production can reach 8 to 10 metric tonnes. Farmers can expect market prices ranging from ₹150 to ₹200 per kilogram.
Dragon fruit is rich in Vitamin C, fiber, iron, magnesium, betalains, flavonoids, polyphenols, potassium, calcium, Vitamin B, and omega fatty acids. Experts note that regular consumption improves digestion, protects skin health, and helps prevent diseases such as diabetes and heart ailments.
> “The district’s climate, geography, and soil are ideally suited for cultivating high-value crops like dragon fruit. This crop can significantly increase farmers’ income and improve their living standards. Currently, dragon fruit is being cultivated on more than 10 hectares across various blocks of the district. Through the PMKSY and Chief Minister’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scheme, farmers are being provided with farming equipment, concrete poles, trellis construction materials, and irrigation facilities. Officials from the Horticulture Department and voluntary organizations are offering technical guidance and cultivation support,”
— Sudam Biswal, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, Koraput
> “The Nandapur block administration, Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, and the voluntary organization PRADAN are providing farmers with organic cultivation techniques, technical knowledge, and market linkage support under the Chief Minister’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scheme. The success of six farmers in Khurji Panchayat will inspire farmers across 23 panchayats of the block to adopt dragon fruit cultivation. The district and block administration are optimistic that this will ensure long-term income and economic development for farmers,”
— Durgaprasad Dora, BDO, Nandapur
With increasing yields, rising market demand, and favorable prices, dragon fruit cultivation is steadily gaining popularity among farmers in Koraput district.