Dragon fruit production in Bangladesh increasing
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Climate Required for Dragon Fruit Cultivation:– This fruit plant survives in poor soil conditions and temperature variations. However, tropical climatic region are best for its cultivation. This plant requires minimum annual rainfall of 50 cm and temperature about 20 °C to 30 °C. Too much of sunlight is not good for its cultivation, in high sunlight areas, shading can be provided for better yield.
Soil Requirement for Dragon Fruit Cultivation:- This fruit can be grown on wide range of soils from sandy loam to clay loam. However, sandy soils with good organic matter and internal drainage are best for its cultivation. Soil pH of 5.5 to 7 is best for Dragon fruit cultivation.
Farmers are cultivating dragon, a delicious but non-conventional fruit in Bangladesh, along with some other high-valued fruits.
Number of commercial growers of the cash crop is gradually increasing as they are getting lucrative price of their produce in the markets.
In Rajshahi markets, the high valued fruit is being sold at Taka 550 to 600 per kilogram while in posh markets of capital Dhaka it is being sold at Taka 700 to 800.
More than 125 demonstration plots of the cash crop were established in Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna and Bogra districts and the national figure is more than 1,050.
Integrated Quality Horticulture Development Project (IQHDP) of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) is imparting necessary training to the farmers on making the dragon farming more profitable and sustainable.
Dragon fruit contains more than 3 times the amount of vitamin C found in carrots. The high antioxidant levels lower the risk of many types of cancer.