• The Centre has decided to promote the cultivation of dragon fruit, known as a “super fruit” due to its health benefits, cost effectiveness and global demand.
• At present, this exotic fruit is cultivated in 3,000 hectares; the plan is to increase cultivation to 50,000 hectares in five years.
• An exotic plant is one that is not native to any particular area.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES :

• The Gujarat Government recently renamed dragon fruit as kamlam (lotus) and announced an incentive for farmers who cultivate it.
• The Haryana Government also provides a grant for farmers who are ready to plant Dragon fruit variety.
• Centre can provide specific target-based help to States and farmers under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRAGON FRUIT:

• Dragon fruits are good for diabetic patients.
• It is low in calories.
• It is high in nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium and zinc.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS REQUIRED :

• According to the Indian Council of Agriculture Research the fruit can be cultivated in degraded and rainfed land.
• Dragons grow well in tropical climates with 40–60 cm rainfall for growth.
• The temperature between 20°C to 30°C is considered best for growing dragon fruit crops.
• All the States in India except cold areas are suitable for dragon fruit plants.
• At the moment, Mizoram tops among the States that cultivate Dragon fruit.
• Dragon fruit is indigenous to Mexico.
• It is now produced mainly in Vietnam.
• Reasons for India’s interest dragon fruit cultivation :
• Market demand so high as production is less.
• India is now importing about 15,491 tonnes of dragon fruits.
• It has potential to match the production of China, where cultivation of the fruit takes place in 40,000 hectares, and Vietnam, which grows the fruit in 60,000 hectares.
• Although the initial investments are higher, it gives fast returns within a year.

Model Question

Q. With reference to the Dragon fruit cultivation, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Globally, India is the largest producer of Dragon fruit.
2. In India, Dragon fruits are grown only in rainfed areas.
3. Dragon fruits are indigenous to China.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the Above

Answer : D

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