The Farmers of Sangli in Maharashtra who cultivated sugarcane, grapes, pomegranates and turmeric has now added one more achievement to be proud of. After exporting grapes to the Gulf for several years, the farmers of the district have exported fiber and mineral-rich ‘Dragon Fruit’ to Dubai.
The first consignment of dragon fruit, with each batch weighing 50kg, has been exported to Dubai. From India Anandrao Pawar of Tadsar village is the first farmer to grow pink-white variety of dragon fruit (pink skin and white flesh) being exported from India.
Grape cultivation is being replaced
According to sources, the grape cultivation has been replaced by Dragon fruit in the dried parts of the Sangli. This exotic fruit is also known as ‘Kamalam’ in India and its cultivation, done on only 150 acres of land in drought-prone areas of Sangli district raised the hopes of the farmers.
Pawar, who is 78-year-old, is the first man to face the challenge of growing the crop of cactus species on hilly terrains of Kadegaon tehsil. Tadsar is located around 500 meters above sea level.
Anandrao Pawar mentioned, “Dragon Fruit requires less water for cultivation & contains fiber, vitamins, minerals & antioxidants”.
Six years ago, Pawar started the cultivation of dragon fruit. He said that he replaced the sugarcane crop with dragon fruit. The region is located in a higher area. He took the information on the cultivation of dragon fruit from a farmer from Satara’s dry area. And now, he had grown 330 plants of fruit on his land.He added that the crop requires less water as compared to sugarcane and grapes. He guaranteed using organic fertilizers. The organic farming practices helped him to achieve weight and taste. A single fruit that weighs more than 300 grams was selected for export to Dubai.