Nandpur, Dec, 22: Farmers, who previously earned limited profits from traditional crops, are now showing interest in long-term profitable cultivation. To support this, the Government’s Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, along with various voluntary organizations, are encouraging farmers to grow high-value crops using organic farming methods.
In Koraput district, dragon fruit cultivation has become the first choice among women farmers, especially on hilly or uneven land. In Nandpur block, women farmers from Khurji Panchayat, including Kamala Sakia, Subarna Sakia, Ghumua Sakia, Saita Hantal, Asadi Hantal, and C. Ishwari from Nalatua village, have started trial cultivation of dragon fruit on 20 cents of land.
Similarly, farmers in Doraguda village, including Ishwari, are cultivating dragon fruit on 2.5 hectares this year, marking the first official cultivation season.
Recently, District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan visited Chaparama village, inspected the fields, and encouraged farmers. Experts have noted that dragon fruit requires minimal water, making it suitable for cultivation in hilly and uneven terrain. With low maintenance and low cost, dragon fruit begins producing within 12–18 months and continues for 20–25 years. Annual fruit yield per tree is 15 kg, and production per acre is 8–10 metric tons, which farmers can sell for ₹150–200 per kg.
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, iron, magnesium, betalains, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Experts say that Koraput’s climate, geography, and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-value crops like dragon fruit. It helps increase farmers’ income and improve living standards.
Currently, dragon fruit cultivation has been introduced on more than 10 hectares of land across different blocks of the district. Through schemes like PMKSY and Chief Minister Agriculture Development Programs, farmers are being provided with farming tools, concrete poles, pots, irrigation materials, and technical guidance. Horticulture department staff and voluntary organizations are offering expert support and knowledge about cultivation techniques.
Seeing good market demand and profitability, more farmers are becoming interested in dragon fruit cultivation.
Dragon fruit also contains potassium, calcium, vitamin B, omega fatty acids, and other nutrients. Experts note that consuming it improves digestion, protects the skin, and may help prevent diabetes and heart diseases.