Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus) is a cactus species fruit which is very profitable to cultivate with less water and less maintenance. It has good demand in the market and it bears fruit for 20–25 years.
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1. Features of Dragon Fruit
Profit: ₹6–10 lakh per acre (from 3rd year)
Production period: 20–25 years
Irrigation: Very little water required (drip)
Diseases and pests: Very rare
Market: Local, supermarket, processing companies, export
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2. Varieties
Vietnamese White – white pulp, most common
Red Flesh – deep pink colour, sweet
Yellow Skin – sweetest, but production is less
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3. Climate and Soil
Climate: Can tolerate up to 10°C–40°C
Soil: Sandy loam, pH 6–7.5, good drainage required
Location: Sunny place (6–8 hours of sunlight required)
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4. Plantation Plan (in 1 acre)
Item Quantity
Poles (cement/concrete) 600–700
Rings (iron) 1 ring on each pole
Plants 2000 (4 plants on each pole)
Spacing 8×8 feet grid plan
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5. Cost Estimation (for 1 acre)
Cost Estimated cost (₹)
Field preparation ₹10,000–15,000
Poles and rings ₹1,50,000
Plants (₹30 × 2000) ₹60,000
Drip irrigation ₹35,000
Fertilizers, medicines ₹10,000
Labour and other ₹20,000–30,000
Total cost (first year): around ₹2.75–3 lakh
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6. Production and income
Year Production Estimated Income
1 year only growth no income
2 years 2–3 tonnes ₹1.5–2 lakhs
3 years 6–10 tonnes ₹6–10 lakhs
Market rate: ₹80–150/kg (depends on quality and location)
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7. Care and maintenance
Irrigation: 1–2 times a week (preferably through drip)
Fertilizer: Cow dung, compost, neem cake + organic manure
Pruning: Prune branches every year
Diseases: Mostly the crop is disease free, sometimes fungus/insects may attack – prevent with organic spray
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8. Government subsidy
50–60% subsidy under Horticulture Mission
Subsidy is also available on drip system
Contact the Agriculture Department or Kisan Seva Kendra of your district
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9. Sales and marketing
Local fruit market
Supermarket, Hotels
Processing companies (juice, jam, skin care)
Direct sales from social media and farmer groups
Dragon Fruit Farming (1 Acre) – Year by Year Report
Year Expenses (₹) Production (Tons) Selling Rate (₹/Kg) Total Income (₹) Net Profit (₹)
1 2,75,000 0 (Growth only) – 0 –2,75,000 (Loss)
2 50,000 2.0 80 1,60,000 +1,10,000
3 60,000 6.0 100 6,00,000 +5,40,000
4 65,000 8.0 120 9,60,000 +8,95,000
5 70,000 10.0 120 12,00,000 +11,30,000
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Total Figures for 5 Years:
Total Expenses: ₹5,20,000
Total Income: ₹29,20,000
Total Profit: ₹24,00,000+
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Notes:
These are estimates, may vary depending on market rate, variety, care.
Real profits start from the third year.
Production continues for 20 years, giving a potential earning of ₹8–12 lakhs every year for the next 15 years.
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