Ilam, Aug 21: Prabin Limbu, a farmer from Chulachuli Rural Municipality-3 Peltimari, has been able to earn Rs. 1.2 million annually from dragon fruit cultivation. He planted three thousand plants in one bigha of land, earning eight lakh rupees from fruit sales and four lakh rupees from seedling sales. Limbu expects his income to increase as the plants continue to grow.
Three years ago, Limbu established the ‘Village Agro Farm’ and began planting Malaysian red dragon fruit. He has had no trouble selling his dragon fruit and plants, with traders regularly visiting his garden to make purchases. The fruit is consumed in Damak of Jhapa, and Limbu sells it for Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per kilogram.
Additionally, the plants he produces are bought by the rural municipality, ward office, local farms, and other farmers.
Maita Raj Limbu, another farmer from Chulachuli Rural Municipality-2, has also ventured into commercial dragon fruit cultivation, renting six acres of land and planting four hundred trees. He has started the ‘Chhathare Dragon fruit Agricultural Farm’ and is earning Rs. 250,000 annually from dragon fruit farming.
Dragon fruit cultivation has been expanding in various areas of Ilam, including Mai Municipality, Rong Rural Municipality, Myjogmai Rural Municipality, and Ilam Municipality. Dragon fruit is ready to eat 30 days after fruiting and can last 10-15 days once picked. The plants bear fruit for six months of the year, from the second week of May to the second week of December, and can be harvested for up to 16 years.
Dragon fruit is a relatively new fruit in eastern Nepal and can be planted in flat ground using a pillar and a thin necklace for support. The branches of the plant can be used to grow new plants, and with regular fertilization and irrigation, the plants can produce fruit continuously for two years after planting.
However, dragon fruit thrives in hot climatic zones and can be cultivated in locations with plenty of sunshine up to 1,500 meters above sea level. The fruit does well in areas with annual rainfall between 50 to 150 cm and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Agricultural experts believe dragon fruit can be successfully grown in irrigated areas of Terai, Inner Madhes, and Madhyapahari regions of Nepal. #dragonfruit
