Guwahati: Akbar Ali Ahmed, a farmer from Assam, has increased his income with dragon fruit farming. Akbar decided to harvest dragon fruit; this decision fetched him significant financial benefits and made him a role model for other local farmers. Akbar cultivates the LD-1 variety of dragon fruit on 2 hectares of his land, generating an annual turnover of nearly 1 crore rupees.
Akbar started his dragon fruit farming six years ago; despite the challenges, he never turned back, got the knowledge of its farming, and chose the right variety for the high yield and better quality. Akbar planted about 15,000 plants in two hectares of land, with each plant costing around 30 rupees. He spent around 14–15 lakh in the first year per hectare, including around 500 rupees per pillar. However, this investment was productive, as crops can produce fruits for 20 years with minimal maintenance costs.
A dragon fruit plant gives fruit within a year. The harvest occurs about eight times a year, providing a good income. From the second year onward, per-hectare yields can reach 25–30 tonnes, while annual costs drop to just 1.5–2 lakh rupees per hectare, making it more economical than traditional crops. Akbar’s yearly turnover now exceeds 1 crore rupees, marking a major achievement for him.
Akbar Ali Ahmed has adopted modern techniques in his dragon fruit farming. His farm uses drip irrigation to conserve water, and he relies on organic fertilizers and pesticides for plant nutrition and pest control. He believes that new techniques can give better yield. His production takes place in an eco-friendly environment.
His efforts have provided jobs to locals; around 20 people are working in his dragon fruit farm. His efforts have improved the economic condition of the area, and many of them have started their own farming of dragon fruits.
