To increase farmers' income, the government is promoting the cultivation of fruits and flowers, including exotic fruits like dragon fruit. The Bihar government has included dragon fruit in its fourth agricultural roadmap to boost farmers' earnings. The soil in 21 districts of Bihar is suitable for dragon fruit cultivation, leading to the decision to support its farming. The government will provide a 40% subsidy and financial assistance to farmers for cultivating dragon fruit, which requires an investment of approximately ₹7.5 lakh.
The state government will encourage farmers to cultivate dragon fruit by offering subsidies in three installments. The first installment will cover 60% of the subsidy, amounting to ₹1.80 lakh per hectare per farmer. The second installment, representing 20% of the total subsidy, will provide ₹60,000 per hectare in the following year, provided 75% of the plants survive. The final installment of the remaining 20% will be given the year after if 90% of the plants are still alive. This way, farmers will receive a total subsidy of 40% of the unit cost.
The Bihar government has identified 21 districts for dragon fruit cultivation. Farmers in these districts who wish to grow dragon fruit can apply online to benefit from this scheme. Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Agriculture Department, has ordered the release of funds for this initiative.
Characteristics of Dragon Fruit: Dragon fruit is pink or red on the outside, with a juicy and slightly sweet white interior. It is rich in vitamins C and B, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. High in fiber, it aids in weight loss. In the market, dragon fruit sells for ₹100 to ₹400 per kilogram, while the cost to farmers per quintal is relatively low. Each dragon fruit plant can bear fruit for 15 to 20 years.
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