Dragon Fruit Cultivation Gets Subsidy In Vellore, TN

The Department of Horticulture and plantation crops in Vellore district is supporting farmers raising dragon fruit crop with assistance of Rs. 1.62 lakh per hectare (50% subsidy) under the National Horticulture Mission, by supplying planting material and assistance for the support system. 

According to a note from the department, dragon fruit is cultivated in around 6.5 ha in Gudiyatham and Pernambut blocks in Vellore district and is emerging as a high-value fruit crop with good potential for diversification of horticultural



farming in the district.

It is a perennial crop, relatively drought-tolerant and suitable for cultivation under well-drained soils with assured drip irrigation. The crop is generally propagated through healthy stem cuttings and trained on permanent RCC / concrete support poles, accommodating about 4,444 plants per ha, says the note. 

Regular pruning, fertigation, proper irrigation, pollination and summer heat management are important for obtaining good yield and fruit quality, adds the note.