Palnadu district growers have switched to cultivating exotic fruits, especially dragon fruit, due to the rise in their demand. Cultivation of these fruits has increased to over 100 hectares in the district. High temperature in the region has been favourable for the cultivation of these crops across the Palnadu district, including Atchampet, Karampudi, Macherla, Edlapadu, and Narasaraopet regions.
B.J. Binni, joint director of horticulture department in Palnadu district: “Since the pandemic, the consumption of dragon fruit has increased significantly, as people believe it is highly nutritious. This has enabled farmers to easily market their produce at reasonable prices. So they are not hesitating to invest Rs 800,000 to Rs 2 mln in cultivation.”
The plant, native to southern Mexico and Central America, is grown all over the world. The two most common types of dragon fruit have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon. The most widely available variety has white pulp with black seeds, and the less common variety has red pulp and black seeds. The fruit is a source of iron, magnesium, and fibre. It has an extremely-low calorie content and high nutrition.
Source: newindianexpress.com