Why Over 14500 Hectares Across India Are Now Being Used for Dragon Fruit Farming |
In parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the North East, more farmers are beginning to grow dragon fruit. The bright pink fruit, once mostly seen in supermarkets and imported fruit sections, is now appearing on farms across dry, warm regions where growers are looking for crops that can handle heat and provide sustainable earnings.
The rise has been noticeable over the last few years. According to recent agricultural research based on Ministry of Agriculture data, the area under dragon fruit cultivation increased from 5,300 hectares in 2022 to more than 14,500 hectares in 2024.
Production during the same period rose from 21,220 metric tonnes to 53,720 metric tonnes. Researchers noted that southern states, especially Andhra Pradesh, have emerged as major contributors to this growth.
As summers become harsher and water becomes difficult to manage, many........