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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

10/07/22 05:06 AM IST

Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation in 50,000 hectares

In News
  • The Government of India has decided to promote the cultivation of dragon fruit, known as a “super fruit” for its health benefits.
  • At present, Dragon fruit is cultivated in 3,000 hectares.The plan is to increase cultivation to 50,000 hectares in five years.
Dragon Fruit 
  • Dragon Fruit is the fruit of a species of wild cactus indigenous to South and Central America, where it is called pitaya or pitahaya.
  • Climatic Condition: Dragon Fruit grows in all kinds of soil, and does not require much water. The plant doesn’t need productive land as it can give maximum production from non-productive, less fertile areas also.
  • All the States in India except cold areas are suitable for dragon fruit cultivation.
  • Largest Producer: The world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit is Vietnam. The Vietnamese call it “Thanh long” which translates to “dragon’s eyes”.
  • In India, Mizoram tops among the States that cultivate Dragon Fruit.
  • The dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is indigenous to the Americas. It is a member of the cacti family.
  • It is also known as ‘Pitaya’, ‘Pitahaya’, strawberry pear, noblewoman and queen of the night throughout the world. In India, it is also known as ‘Kamalam’.
Source- The Hindu 

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