In the changing farming environment, betting on high value fruits instead of traditional crops is proving to be a wiser decision. In this regard, cultivation of ‘dragon fruit’—also known as ‘kamalam’—has emerged as a profitable business model for today’s farmers. The best part is that the government is now giving huge subsidy of up to 40% for this crop; This crop produces ‘gold’ even in dry conditions and on barren lands. This means that a large part of the initial expenses will be borne by the government, leaving the profits directly in your pocket. Due to its numerous benefits, dragon fruit is in demand in the market throughout the year; Moreover, its reasonable price also ensures a very good profit margin. If you also want to create a sustainable source of income with less effort and less water, then now is the right time to start preparing for dragon fruit farming.
Government subsidy to reduce expenses
The initial investment to start dragon fruit farming is usually a bit high, mainly because it requires building a supporting structure using cement pillars. To reduce this economic burden, the government—under the ‘National Horticulture Mission’—is providing farmers a subsidy of up to 40% on the cost of cultivation per hectare.
By taking advantage of this scheme, you can significantly reduce the expenses associated with installing support poles, installing drip irrigation systems and purchasing good quality saplings.
Depending on different states, the subsidy amount can range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh, which is deposited directly into the farmer’s bank account.
This help of the government is a golden opportunity for small and medium farmers to adopt this type of high-tech farming.
consistent production year after year
Actually, dragon fruit is a plant of the cactus family. This means that it requires very little water and fertilizer to grow. Once planted, a single plant continues to bear fruit for approximately 20 to 25 years, making it an excellent long-term investment. There is no danger to it from animals, because animals do not like to eat it due to the thorns on its outer part. As a result, fencing expenses are also saved.
Apart from this, it also has great ability to fight diseases; As a result, expenditure on pesticides is almost negligible.
Dragon fruit is an excellent choice for areas where irrigation facilities are limited, as it thrives and survives scorching heat.
one year’s earnings
Now, let’s talk about the main issue for which farmers work so hard: earnings. If you cultivate dragon fruit on one acre of land using scientific methods, its production starts from the second year itself, and by the third or fourth year it reaches its highest production level.
In the market, a dragon fruit costs between ₹50 to ₹150, depending on its weight; Also, the demand for this fruit remains constant throughout the season.
Calculated on an acre of land, after deducting all expenses, a farmer can easily earn a net profit of ₹5 to ₹8 lakh every year.
As plants grow larger over time, both the number and size of fruits increase; This ensures that your income graph will continue to move upwards every year.