Dragon fruit cultivation in Nepal

Writer:Gobinda poudel

B.sc Agriculture student

Graphic era hill univerrsity

Introduction:

Multiple purpose uses agriculture potentional and promotion of Dragon Fruit as multilayer farming system for boosting farmer economy and utilization of waste.Dragon Fruit scientific name Hylocereus undatus belongs to the family of cactus is botanically found in two separate genera:Hylocereus and Selenicereus. however the most commonly cultivated varieties are in the genes Hylocereus undatus including the white fleshed fruit.Hylocereus undatus dragon fruit is also known as pitaya and pitahaya. there are four different species of dragon Fruit.Dragon Fruit is native to central and South America. In context of Nepal it can be cultivated in terai region ,madesh area,valley area ,and the lower mountain range area.

Nutritional value and health benefits

Protein 1.2grams

Fat 0 grams

Fiber 3 grams

Vitamin C 3% RDI

Iron 4% RDI

Magnesium 10% RDI

Source :health line .com

Besides that it is used for the prevention of high blood pressure and heart diseases,delays aging of skin,boosting the immunity,useful for bones and teeth,nervous system,digestion and metabolism etc.it is very much beneficial for the dengue patients by helping the formation of blood cells and for the pregnant women.

Economic importance:

The fruit also has good potential to be processed into many products thus adding value.These processed products include energy and fruit bars,ice -creams,jelly marmalade and preserved juice ,pasteries pulp and yoghurt. The juice of the red varieties can also be used as a natural food colorant and dye and when unopened,the flower bud can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.. Dragon Fruit price in Nepal is 350 to 500 Rs/kg price varies with the species . from that we can imagine how much this is beneficial to support the small and marginal farmers.

Soil and climate :

This type of fruit can survive in the poor soil conditions because they belong from the cactus family.while talking about the climate the tropical climate is best for its cultivation. temperature required for it is 20 degree C TO 30 degree C.minimum annual rainfall required about 40 cm. it can be grown in wide range of soil sandy loam to clay loam soil with thw ph range of 5.5 to 7 is best for its cultivation.

Propagation and planting method :

plant can be propagted deither frpm the seed or the steam cutting.slanted cutting with the steam 20cm should be placed at the sowing depth of 2-3 inches. sowing depth can also varies with the soil structure.the plant should be planted in the narrow space , narrow space can give the better yield. after planting the tree it should be provided with the wooden support or the any machanical support.

Canopy management :

It is the the epiphytic plant which can climb naturally.with any support like tree,woods,walls etc.vertical and horizontal support should be provided for its better growth.when they are used purning is essential.steam should be cut in a such a way so that it can not affect the aerial movement of the plant so that the bunch growth will be limit.

Manuring and fertilizer :

For the better production of the dragon fruit the fertilizer should be applied at the interval of the every month. the 1 year dose of N P K ; 20:20:10 and the 2year dose is 13:12:10 after the fruiting urea and fertilizers should be applied for better growth.

Irrigation:

As this plant belongs from the cactus species it require the low rainfall.a regular water supply should be required because it builds sufficient reserve not only to the flower at the most favourable time but also ensure the development of fruit.

Weeding :

weeds should be removed manually with the khurpi or any instruments . larger weeds can be control by the application of the herbicide based on the nature of the weeds.the base of plat should be covered with the coconut dust which prevennts the moisture.

Harvesting ; it become ready to harvest after the one month after the flowering.the colour of the fruit is converted into the red colour. proper time for the harvesting is after the 3-4 days of tthe colour change of the fruit. for exporting it should be harvested 1 day after colour change. while talking about its yield it gives around 5 to 6 tonnes yield per acre .