DRAGON FRUIT: A NEW SUPER FRUIT IN INDIAN FARMS
Abstract: Dragon fruit, locally promoted as 'Kamalam,' is rapidly emerging as a remunerative 'super fruit' within Indian agriculture (ICAR,2022) transitioning from a niche import to a domestically cultivated horticultural asset. This review examines the burgeoning significance of dragon fruit farming in India, focusing on its agro-economic viability, nutritional prominence, and future potential. The fruit's hardy nature and adaptability to India's diverse agro-climatic conditions Jana,H. (2025), especially in arid and semi-arid regions, present a sustainable option for crop diversification. For Indian farmers, dragon fruit offers compelling economic advantages, including low maintenance requirements, high-profit margins, and a relatively quick return on investment, with cultivation expanding across several states. Its recognition as a 'super fruit' is driven by a rich nutritional profile, abundant in antioxidants, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, which aligns with the growing health consciousness(Healthline,2018; WebMD,2024) of the Indian market. Government initiatives aimed at boosting domestic production to curb imports further underscore its strategic importance ICAR, 2022). These abstract highlights the potential of Kamalam to enhance farmer income, contribute to nutritional security, and establish itself as a key player in India's horticultural landscape, warranting further research into region-specific cultivation practices and value chain development.
Keywords: Dragon fruit, Kamalam, Super Fruit, Hylocereus undatus, Indian horticulture
Author: Pranay Joseph, Deepak Lall and Aditi Sagar
Reference: Healthline. (2018, May 23). 7 Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit (Plus How to Eat It). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-dragon-fruit Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). (2022). Dragon Fruit Cultivation Practices in India. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/Ind Hort/article/view/141632 Jana, H. (2025). Dragon Fruit Cultivation: A Manageable and Profit-Providing Agri Enterprise in India. International Journal of Current Research, 17(1), 31115-31122. https://journalcra.com/article/dragon-fruit cultivation-manageable-and-profit providing-agrienterprise-india Krishi Bazaar. (2024, September 30). Dragon Fruit Cultivation in India: Farming Tips and Profit Potential Per Acre. Retrieved from https://krishibazaar.in/blog/dragon-fruit cultivation-in-india-farming-tips-and profitpotential-per-acre OnlyMyHealth. (2025, March 24). From Weight Loss To Digestion: Here are 7 Benefits Of Yellow Dragon Fruit You Should Not Miss. https://www.onlymyhealth.com/health benefits-of-yellow-dragon-fruit 12977824162 https://knowledge.desikheti.com/top-10 dragon-fruit-producing-states inindia/#:~:text=What%20is%20the% 20total%20area,family%20does%20Dr agon%20Fruit%2 0belong%3F Press Information Bureau (PIB). (2023, March 13). Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kamalam Fruit to be set up at IIHR, Bengaluru to help make Atmanirbhar Bharat by cutting down on its imports valued at about Rupees 100 crores in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa ge.aspx?PRID=1906572 Tractor Gyan. (2024, June 15). Dragon Fruit Cultivation in India: Health Benefits, Varieties and Profitable Farming. https://tractorgyan.com/tractor-industry news-blogs/986/dragon-fruit cultivation-processhealth-benefits-and uses Tractor Junction. (2024, August 22). Dragon Fruit Farming : Including Varieties, Origins, and Growing Tip. Retrieved from https://www.tractorjunction.com/agriculture news/dragon-fruit-cultivation includingvarieties/ Verywell Health. (2023, November 2). Yellow Dragon Fruit: Can It Help You Poop? https://www.verywellhealth.com/yello w-dragon-fruit-8380122 WebMD. (2024, June 4). Dragon Fruit Health Benefits & Nutrition. https://www.webmd.com/food recipes/benefits-dragon-fruit Wikifarmer. Dragon Fruit Plant Information and Environmental Requirements. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/39 3516505_Dragon_Fruit_The_India's_ Unique_Su per_Fruit
PDF
