Dragon fruit, indigenous to South America, is emerging as a viable crop for Pakistani growers seeking more lucrative and manageable farming options. This fruit thrives under the country's soil and climate conditions and is being cultivated more widely.
The crop finds its roots in established agricultural practices in nations like China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. Farmers are attracted by its nutritional profile and increasing consumer demand, which aligns well with minimal input requirements.
Dr Mohammad Asif, CEO of Number One Organics Private Limited in Rahim Yar Khan, is at the forefront of dragon fruit cultivation in Pakistan. As reported by WealthPK, Asif indicates that the journey started about six years ago on a smaller scale. His company supports farmers with over 100 high-quality imported varieties and provides cost-effective organic fertilizers to encourage local farming efforts.
Currently, dragon fruit commands premium prices, partly due to reliance on imports. Dr Asif envisions its presence expanding to conventional retail outlets as domestic production scales up. Furthermore, he notes its versatility, commenting on its usage in products such as jam, jelly, milkshakes, ice cream, and qahwa.
Dr Asif emphasizes its nutritional benefits, highlighting its vitamin and mineral content. He describes its potential health benefits, suggesting that it could serve as a natural dietary supplement, particularly beneficial to health-conscious individuals and those with diabetes due to its high fiber and low-calorie properties.
On cultivation specifics, Dr Asif explains that despite being a cactus, dragon fruit requires conditions similar to tropical rainforests and advises careful water management to avoid issues like stem decay. He highlights the favorable growing conditions in places like Karachi and Thatta while mentioning necessary precautions in colder and desert regions.
He explains the crop's adaptability to less fertile lands but notes higher yields from fertile ground. Initial harvests may yield two to three tons per acre, with up to 14 tons from mature plants. He notes the lifespan of the plant and its current market pricing.
Dr Asif underlines the plant's pest resistance and minimal chemical input needs. For growers, the recommendation is to select high-quality, self-pollinating varieties. Supporting the local agricultural community, his company has distributed over 4,000 plants and developed more than a dozen farms. To aid in cultivation practices, a dedicated YouTube channel, "Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit) Pakistan," is available for farmer guidance.
Source: Independent News Pakistan
