Dragon fruit production in South Africa, a nascent sector with most plantings occurring within the past decade, spans across diverse geographical regions, with the harvest season extending from January to June. Fred Steyn, a Mpumalanga farmer and chairperson of the Southern African Dragon Fruit Association, highlighted the growing demand for dragon fruit in both local and international markets, attributing the steady prices to increasing consumer awareness and improved quality.
Despite the favorable prices on the European market, high airfreight costs significantly impact exporters' profit margins, with the industry's expansion further hampered by the scarcity of production-related information. The development of production manuals is challenged by the varying management needs of different cultivars.
Jaco Jacobsohn, overseeing dragon fruit production at Al3 Boerdery in Limpopo, emphasized the positive outcomes of recent trials aimed at enhancing yield and quality, noting the importance of tailored nutrient management for different varieties. He also mentioned that while drought conditions initially reduced yields, they concurrently diminished fungal pressures, thereby improving fruit quality. The industry's growth is gradual, primarily driven by existing producers increasing their planted areas. However, the lack of registered crop protection chemicals poses significant challenges in pest management. Steyn pointed out the potential for market expansion, considering that a substantial portion of consumers have yet to experience dragon fruit, which is now more competitively priced due to increased supply.
Source: farmersweekly.co.za