Kurigram farmer juices up profit from dragon fruit farming

Dragon fruit is gradually making inroads on farming in the district as its growers are getting high returns.

A middle-aged farmer Khorshed Alam in Sadar upazila under in the district is an epitome of elegance in this regard.

Inspired by an agro-based page on Youtube, the wholesale grocer-turned fruit grower went after dragon fruit farming in 2018.

“Initially, I planted 30 dragon plants on my roof and began their cultivation. I got good returns,” said an enthusiastic Harun.

Following the initial success, the grower went for commercial farming of the fruit on his 50-decimal land investing Tk 2 lakh.

“The cultivation of dragon fruit is a lengthy process while investment here is also high. However, once the plants are fully grown, a good amount of fruits can be obtained which have a high demand,” explained Harun.

The farmer said he has sold seven to eight maunds of dragon fruit this season and secured a profit of Tk 1 lakh.

Besides, making a retail sale at Tk 300 per kilogramme, the fruit grower sells cuttings and saplings of dragon plant to local fruit enthusiasts, thus reaping a good profit.

During a visit to Sadar upazila, The Business Post found that dragon fruits were being cultivated on a vast expanse of land.

Once it was not popular in the locality before Khorshed introduced it, but now many a farmer is becoming inspired observing the pioneer’s success.

Johnny Sarker, Abu Taleb, Mizan, Rafiqul, Abul Kashem, among others, who came to visit Khorshed’s dragon farm, told The Business Post they are all highly motivated and planning to go for dragon fruit cultivation in near future.

The soft succulent tissue of dragon fruit varies from white (with pink or yellow skin) to bright pink or deep red with tiny black seeds, said Umar Faruque, one of Khorshed’s farmhands, who was tending to the plants in the orchard.

Flavour is associated with the colour of the flesh -- whitish dragon fruit has often a mild taste while darker, redder flesh can be sweeter and juicier, he added.

Nutrient-rich dragon fruit is a foreign crop native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, which was later introduced to Asia via Vietnam by the French in the early 1800s, said Mirza Nasir Uddin, vice-principle of Kurigram Government College.

Dragon fruit contains small amounts of compound nutrients. It is also a decent source of iron, magnesium, and fibre.

Professor Nasir termed the fruit a super food – rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and contains healthy fatty acids and probiotics.

Md Monjurul Haque, deputy director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Kurigram, told The Business Post although its cultivation has a lengthy process, farmers in the district are gradually becoming inclined to it.

“We will surely assist the growers if they contact us to know about its proper farming method or seek any kind of help from us,” added the DAE official.