Dragon fruit is a tropical cactus. Because of temperatures, it might not grow well in the Himalayan regions.

Expanding markets for the fruit in North America make it in interesting export commodity.

Would Indian farmers retain the patents on their cultivars and other related products? Or would dragon fruit genomes and agriculture be owned by European companies?

Terry Trowbridge

Yes sir... definitely ..in my opinion Indian farmers can retain the patents on their dragon fruit cultivars if they register them under India's legal frameworks, like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA). This allows them to secure intellectual property rights over their unique plant varieties. However, if European companies develop their own dragon fruit cultivars or patent specific aspects of the genome, they could control those aspects in their region. The key is whether Indian farmers take steps to protect their innovations through proper legal channels before international companies do.

Dear Prof. Dr. Rohit Kumar Thank you for this important, useful and beautiful question.

The Indian fig tree is a type of fig that bears fruit throughout the summer and autumn, and is famous for its spherical, purple fruits. Fig trees are successful in all parts of India due to the warm climate, and these trees do not require much care, as they are perennial and evergreen. Figs can be easily planted directly in the ground, as fig trees put down deep roots if given the opportunity, so keep this in mind when choosing a planting location. The best time to plant is in spring or early fall. Fig trees can grow in most types of soil as long as the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic matter.

Very important real topic for my region West Formosa Argentina.

Carlos Cesar Aranda

@Thank you very much sir.

Mahmmoud Hussein A. Al Rahman

Thank you very much sir for your comprehensive review and your interest in this topic...

You're always welcome, my dear Prof. Dr. Rohit Kumar . These topics are very important, especially when they relate to useful plant wealth, especially the fig tree. This tree can withstand different and harsh environmental conditions. I planted it in the garden. Its production is very large, and it loves water very much, especially in sandy soils.

Mahmmoud Hussein A. Al Rahman You said very true sir...

Thank you for sharing and I completely agree! The fig tree is indeed remarkable for its resilience and ability to thrive in various climates, especially harsh ones. It’s great to hear that you've planted it in your garden and that it's producing well. You're right about its love for water, especially in sandy soils where drainage is fast. Regular watering will surely help it thrive even more!

Mr Rohit it is remarkable fruit for marketing Overall, dragon fruit cultivation can significantly boost the income of farmers in arid and semi-arid regions and contribute to agricultural diversification strategies. However, it is essential to consider factors such as initial investment, market access, and local climate conditions for successful cultivation.

Hello Rohit Kumar!

I am not a specialist in agriculture. Therefore, I cannot give a serious opinion.

Selminaz Adıgüzel

Thank you very much ma'am for your response....

Abdulla Hasanov no problem sir... thank you.

To All My Dear (s)

Let us follow the two great personalities and their love for Humanity:👇

1. Dr Norman Barlaug ( Father of Green Revolution in the World and Noble Laureate in Peace-1970 )

2. Prof. M. S. Swaminathan ( Father of the Indian Green Revolution and First recipient of World Food Prize-1987 )

Their unyielding commitment and foresight ushered a new era of agricultural prosperity, which made the “Food Sufficient Planet”

They believe that “Farmers as the pin that holds the World together”.

Let 8 Billion + population get food at an affordable price which is possible when we grow agricultural products in abundance.

with my best wishes

Dear Dr. S U M Rao , you did well in everything you said. Yes, this is the wish of every faithful person who loves good for all humanity. Agriculture is the basis of all existence. It contains purity, prosperity, and life.

🌼🌴 🌺🌷🌷⚘⚘🌻🌻🌺🌴🌼

I think it is possible to grow this kind of fruit in India due to its environment and soil.

Yes, it is desirable to cultivate those crops

Dragon fruit cultivation can be a viable option for crop diversification in arid and semi-arid regions of India, considering:

1. Climate tolerance: Dragon fruit is adapted to warm temperatures and can thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions.

2. Water efficiency: Dragon fruit is relatively drought-tolerant and requires less water compared to other fruits.

3. Soil adaptability: Dragon fruit can grow on poor soil, making it suitable for areas with limited fertile land.

4. Market demand: Dragon fruit has a growing market demand, providing a potential source of income for farmers.

5. Nutritional benefits: Dragon fruit is rich in nutrients, making it a valuable crop for local consumption and nutrition security.

However, it's essential to consider:

1. Initial investment: Dragon fruit cultivation requires initial investment in infrastructure, such as trellises and irrigation systems.

2. Technical expertise: Farmers may need training and technical support to adopt dragon fruit cultivation.

3. Pest and disease management: Dragon fruit is susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring effective management strategies.

4. Post-harvest handling: Proper post-harvest handling and storage techniques are crucial to maintain fruit quality.

Overall, dragon fruit cultivation can be a promising option for crop diversification in arid and semi-arid regions of India, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider local context, resources, and support systems before making a decision.

Yes, dragon fruit cultivation can be a promising option for crop diversification in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Here's why:

• Adaptability: Dragon fruit is a drought-tolerant crop that thrives in arid conditions. It has a deep root system that can tap into groundwater, making it suitable for regions with limited water availability.
• High Yield: Dragon fruit plants can produce high yields, even in challenging climates. They can bear fruit for several years, making them a profitable investment.
• Market Demand: There is a growing demand for dragon fruit in India and international markets due to its unique flavor, nutritional value, and aesthetic appeal.
• Soil Tolerance: Dragon fruit can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy and rocky terrains, which are common in arid and semi-arid regions.

However, it's important to consider the following factors before investing in dragon fruit cultivation:

• Initial Investment: Setting up a dragon fruit orchard requires a significant initial investment for planting materials, support structures, and irrigation systems.
• Pest and Disease Management: While dragon fruit is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, proper management practices are still necessary to ensure healthy crops.
• Market Fluctuations: The price of dragon fruit can fluctuate depending on market demand and supply.

If you're considering dragon fruit cultivation, it's recommended to conduct thorough research and consult with agricultural experts to assess the suitability of your region and develop a sound cultivation plan.

Dear Dr Wezi and Dr Uthirasamy,

I very much appreciate for agricultural, environmental, farming techniques and economics explanation of this produce.

I welcome this detailed explanation for non -agricultural researchers.

I personally like your knowledge sharing techniques.

with my personal best wishes to both of you,

SUMRao

S U M Rao

Wezi Kachinda

Uthirasamy .S

A.M. Sedrakyan

Zalikha Al-Marzouqi

Mahmmoud Hussein A. Al Rahman

Abdulla Hasanov

Thank you very much to all of you for your valuable response..

Dear Dr. Kumar, pitaya crops are possible in the semi-arid southeast of Spain, more specifically in the province of Almeria.

However, in a greenhouse. It may be possible to grow it in India without any problem.

I hope it is useful to you.

Sincerely, Laura Baena

Laura Baena Cobos

Thank you ma'am for your response...

You're welcome Dr. Kumar, the problem is that it's not in the supermarket fruit and vegetable stores, I haven't tried it yet and when I search on Google for "buy pitaya in Granada"... I see that they sell it on Amazon!:

Regards,

Laura Baena Cobos yes ma'am you are very right... its a very big issue...

Naturally, based on good technological protocols.

Dear Doctor

[Dragon fruits come from Mexico and Central and Southern America. Not surprisingly they like warm conditions with mild winters and no frost. They can tolerate the occasional short burst of cold weather but ideally they should be kept above 10 degrees. They can handle heat, drought, humidity and poor soils but will grow tastier fruit with regular watering and rich soil.

Choose a sunny spot and then boost the soil with compost, manure and certified organic pelletised fertiliser. A dose of lime is also beneficial. Soil needs to be free draining as these plants rot easily if the roots sit in water.  Clay soils are not ideal but if that’s all you have then treat with gypsum and plant on a raised mound. Alternatively they will happily grow in a large pot.]

In my country, we have tried in the south-west, where the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees, also in sunny greenhouses, and the performance has been good.

I think it is a good alternative.