Food-Dragon fruit kindles hope

Originally from United Mexican States and these days common in geographic area and China, the delectable dragon fruit, conjointly known as pitaya, could be a relative newcomer to People's Republic of Bangladesh. Over the previous few years in Khagrachhari, four innovative farmers have established gardens of the succulent with the aim of swing native dragon fruit firmly on the preparation map.

With cultivation commencing in 2013, Khagrachhari Agro Garden in Maishchhari Guchhogram is each the oldest and therefore the largest industrial producer of dragon fruit within the district. “We have 550 dragon fruit cacti,” says its caretaker Mohammad Julhas. “We harvested the primary fruit last year and expect around one hundred fifty bushes to provide fruit this season. So far, we've got created around two hundred kilograms of dragon fruit which implies earnings of a minimum of Tk one large integer," he aforesaid whereas lecture The Daily Star last month.

He says their garden has been established with the help of the Khagrachhari farming Centre which this year the expected harvest ought to quantity to a minimum of 250 kilograms.

Each succulent bush is mature hooked up by a rubber tie to a concrete pillar for support. The plant typically flowers nightlong, with blooms weakening by morning. Dragon fruit cacti deem nocturnal pollinators like moths and crackers for fertilization. Whereas many self-fertile varieties exist, pollination varieties typically turn out additional and higher quality fruit.

“Dragon fruit really does not want a lot of care,” says Rustam Ali, the caretaker of another garden. “Yields stretch across 5 months of the year. it is a terribly profitable enterprise.” he's likewise grateful to the farming centre for coaching and recommendation.

Talking to this newspaper last month, Samor Tripura aforesaid he planted dragon fruit seeds in Lalit Karbari Para of the district last year. “I visited the Khagrachhari Agro Garden and have become inquisitive about growing the fruit,” he says. “I've seeded seeds in a hundred thirty bushes and already around forty area unit bearing fruit. I hope from future year to attain full production.”

“Dragon fruit cacti will cope well with lower downfall,” says Director of the farming center Muazzem Hossain. “It's a serious crop in countries like Asian country, Vietnam, Asian country and state. We have a tendency to hope it will move here within the hill districts too.” The farming center is providing farmers with seeds and technical help to encourage dragon fruit production.

Many locals, potential customers, area unit unacquainted with the dragon fruit so far; however by all accounts the dragon fruit is probably going to prove common. “People during this region do not know the dragon fruit,” says farmer Halshimang Chowdhury from Mohalchhari upazila. “But the fruit and its juice area unit extremely delicious. i'm assured it'll speedily gain quality.”