In a vibrant shift towards high-value agriculture, dragon fruit cultivation is rapidly gaining traction across the country. The latest Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census, 2023, highlights a significant rise in dragon fruit farming, with mass cultivation initiatives now underway in several districts.
Among the trailblazers is Kabita Gurung, a pioneering farmer from Samteling Gewog in Sarpang. Gurung transitioned to dragon fruit farming after initial ventures into commercial vegetable agriculture faced hurdles.
“I began commercial vegetable farming in 2021, leasing three acres of state land. However, due to limited market access and a shortage of labor, I had to rethink my approach,” explained Gurung. Her shift to dragon fruit was driven by the crop’s lower labor requirements, one-time investment, and promising market prospects.
Gurung’s agricultural journey is emblematic of a broader trend. “Previously, I was involved in large-scale chilli farming, but the market was saturated. With the inception of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, I recognized an opportunity to invest in a more sustainable and profitable venture,” she added. Dragon fruit, known for its resilience and high-quality yield, can begin fruiting within eight months and has a survival rate of up to 20 years with proper care.
Despite the optimistic outlook, dragon fruit farmers face significant challenges. Wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants encroaching on agricultural lands, and persistent labor shortages remain pressing issues. “If we can mitigate these problems by protecting our fields from wildlife and ensuring a steady workforce, we can scale up our farming operations effectively,” stated Gurung.
Kabita Gurung has already witnessed promising signs from her dragon fruit plants, with some bearing fruit ahead of schedule. She anticipates her first commercial harvest next year and has secured partnerships with high-end hotels and resorts in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. These establishments currently rely on imported dragon fruits, positioning Gurung’s produce as a competitive local alternative.
“Our goal is to offer dragon fruits at more affordable prices compared to imports. Additionally, we plan to enhance our product’s marketability through proper packaging techniques, including vacuum sealing, to facilitate export opportunities,” Gurung elaborated.
The financial commitment to this venture is substantial. Gurung invested approximately Nu 700,000 per acre, sourcing her seedlings from Assam, India. Her proactive approach reflects a growing confidence among local farmers in the lucrative potential of dragon fruit.
Last year, the country harvested around four tonnes of dragon fruits, with Samdrup Jongkhar and Monggar leading the production. As more farmers like Gurung join the dragon fruit cultivation wave, the sector is poised for substantial growth, promising economic benefits and diversifying the nation’s agricultural landscape.
With the right support and infrastructure, dragon fruit farming could become a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy, offering sustainable livelihoods and reducing reliance on imports.
