Dragon Fruit Farming Thrives in Erode

Fast Summary

• Crop Details: Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), also known as Kamalam in India, is gaining popularity as a profitable crop in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district.
• Cultivation: around 12 acres are under dragon fruit cultivation by five farmers in areas such as Sathyamangalam, Kadambur, Gobichettipalayam, and Anthiyur.
• Farmer Profile: S. Nagaraj, a farmer from Kugalur village in Gobichettipalayam taluk, planted 3,850 saplings using the trellis method with an initial investment of ₹7 lakh.
• Production Details:

– plants began bearing fruit within one year; each plant yields between 15-20 kg annually.
– harvest season runs from June too September; fruits weigh between 300-650 grams each.- An acre yields approximately 350 kg per harvest twice weekly.

• Market Trends: Last year’s prices were up to ₹150/kg but dropped to ₹120/kg this year due to increased supply from Bengaluru (wholesale rate of around ₹80/kg).
• Challenges: Excessive heat and fungal infections are significant concerns despite the crop’s hardiness. Nagaraj uses organic farming inputs like cow dung and neem cake alongside drip irrigation for sustainability.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The rise of dragon fruit farming in Tamil Nadu highlights the diversification of agricultural practices driven by high market value and nutritional benefits. Its adaptability across climates offers promising economic opportunities for small-scale farmers like those in Erode district.However, fluctuating market prices due to external competition-as seen with arrivals from bengaluru-poses challenges that could affect long-term profitability.

Natural farming practices employed by individual growers such as Nagaraj reflect growing trends towards sustainable agriculture amidst increasing awareness about health-focused crops. Scaling up these practices while mitigating challenges like heat stress and fungal infections may further bolster adoption rates nationally.

As India continues evolving its agricultural landscape through innovative crops like dragon fruit (Kamalam), it underscores how informed investments can blend economic viability with ecological responsibility-a critical balance for food security and rural growth.

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