ISLAMABAD:-become a reliable source of foreign exchange for the country, WealthPK reports.
The production of dragon fruit has considerably increased across the globe due to its appealing hues, sweetness, and delicious taste. It can become a good source of foreign exchange. Besides economic benefits for the growers, its consumption is also good for human health.
Dr Nurullah, a senior scientific officer at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), told WealthPK that dragon fruit, an American native plant, is currently being grown in several countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Türkiye and India.
“Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit. It has become popular in the world in recent years. Although people mostly enjoy it for its distinctive appearance and flavor, research shows it is also good for human health,” he added.
“Dragon Fruit is grown in Thar as we have introduced its new kind, which has been given the name of ‘dessert king’. People can consume it and benefit from its nutrients. This will also help to raise the living standards of people connected to agri-farming,” said the expert.
He said that Pakistan was importing dragon fruit from Vietnam, Thailand and other countries. To increase their shelf life, half-ripe fruits are chopped, severely reducing their flavour and nutritional content.
“This ‘great fruit’ has proven to be challenging for Pakistanis to obtain due to high transportation costs. Dragon fruit is a cash crop and Pakistan’s expanding operations may increase its profitability. Additionally, this fruit is widely known for boosting immunity,” said Dr Nurullah.
He said that the cultivation of dragon fruit is successful in many parts of Pakistan. It is usually planted by cuttings. It bears fruit after two years. Other than in frigid climates, it can be grown anywhere. It requires less water for irrigation and has a lower risk of contracting infections.
“In Pakistan, dragon fruit farming is a high-investment and long-cycle industry. Growing dragon fruit is extremely challenging in Pakistan in the absence of its new and high-quality varieties. Additionally, Pakistan does not have access to certain disease-prevention medications or fertilisers for dragon fruit. These must be imported from China,” said Dr Nurullah.
He said that Pakistan has the natural advantage of growing dragon fruit. “With the help of Chinese high-quality dragon fruit seedlings and its scientific management and planting techniques, it is expected that dragon fruit would become a new exportable fruit with significant commercial potential in Pakistan,” he told WealthPK.
