People of Pema Gatshel were introduced to growing dragon fruits sometime in 2019. Farmers then started out on a small scale. But with the fruit requiring less work and its market looking good, some of the farmers are planning to grow the fruit on a large scale.
Lungten from Pangthang village under Chimoong Gewog is preparing his two-acre land to grow dragon fruits. He has collected around 100 dragon fruit saplings. He intends to start the cultivation by March.
Lungten planted a few plants near his house on trial a few years ago.
“In the past, I have planted at my house but it didn’t grow well as it is located at a high altitude. It would be better in low altitude area,” said Lungten.
Lungten says the dragon fruit doesn’t require much hard work and manure. “It doesn’t require manure and water like vegetables. Moreover, not many grow the dragon fruit in the country and therefore it would be a good business. So, I have shown interest in dragon fruit plantation.”
The Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Wengkhar, Monggar supported Lungten by giving the saplings for free. When the plant is mature, it fruits four to six times a year. Moreover, once planted, a plant can bear fruit for up to 20 to 30 years.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
