Dragon Farming Makes Rajshahi's Agro-Based Economy Vibrant

Dragon fruit farming has started making the agro-based economy of Rajshahi vibrant through cultivating the fruit in the region in the last couple of years, reports BSS.

Commercial farming of the fruit originated in Central America, and South America, and is now common in Southeast Asia and China.

As a whole, the cash crop is being judged as lucrative because it can be cultivated round the year.

Many other farmers have become successful entrepreneurs through farming the dragon in the region using its suitable climate condition and topography.

Asadul Islam Helal, a farmer of Bidirpur village under Godagari Upazila, has established himself as a successful entrepreneur in dragon fruit farming.

He had planted some dragon seedlings being inspired by his long-lasting hobby and following his desire, he started farming on four acres of land in 2019 commercially.

"I have to spend around Taka nine lakh for the farming on each acre of land," said Helal while talking to BSS on Thursday, adding, that around one year is needed to get fruit since the planting of seedlings.

During the summer season, fruits are harvested from June to November. "I have already harvested and sold dragon fruits valued around Taka 16 lakh during the current season," said Helal with a smiling face.

An orchard of dragon fruits has been established on seven bighas of land in the Pirijpur area under Godagari Upazila on a joint venture namely Pirijpur Agro Farm Limited.

Shish Muhammad, a shareholder of the farm, said, they are harvesting and selling dragon fruits both offline and online and they are getting enormous responses from the wholesalers and retailers.

Rafiqul Islam along with three of his friends first started to cultivate the fruit on an experimental basis in the Kendobona area under Nachole Upazila in Chapainawabgonj district. After getting some profit, they became more interested in cultivating the profitable fruit on a large scale.

Rafiqul mentioned that the cultivation of the fruit is profitable and they are expecting good profit this year.

He said the cultivation process is not only easy but also the required investment is very low.

Abdul Matin, another farmer of Gofanagar village under Mohadevpur upazila in Naogaon, has also set an example of becoming successful through farming dragon in the area.

On behalf of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project, various forms of cost-effective irrigation technologies like drip irrigation, fertigation and alternate furrow irrigation are being promoted for dragon farming in the drought-prone area to reduce the gradually mounting cost of irrigation besides boosting soil productivity.

IWRM Project Manager Jahangir Alam Khan said dragon fruit is suitable for everyone to eat. Flesh and seeds are edible and they can be eaten altogether. It has digestive fibre which is helpful for a healthy liver. The rest of the fruit contains carbohydrates and water.

Dr Khalilur Rahman, professor of the department of internal medicine in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said the fruit has mild sweet tastes and is especially low in calories and the seeds are digested only if chewed. The flavonoids in dragon fruit lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

According to a study, it also reduces oxidative stress and artery stiffness and it is thought to prevent complications associated with diabetes.

“The high antioxidant level lowers the risk of many types of cancer” Dr Rahman elaborated.