Ugandan farmers have been urged to embrace dragon fruit farming, which has become one of the most profitable ventures.
A dragon fruit is a spiky, pink fruit that belongs to the cactus family.
“It grows anywhere; you can even grow it in the compound,” says Daniel Wanyama, an agronomist with Isinya Avocado Nurseries, one of the leading avocado nurseries in Kenya, found in Isinya off Namanga Road and Molo-Keringet.
Three varieties of the dragon fruit are being showcased at the expo. “The dragon fruit is very good; we see the profits generated when farmers choose to grow them.
“Currently, it is a very expensive fruit in Africa and in the world. One fruit is retailing at about sh25,000. If you have one tree, it can produce 60 dragon fruits. If retailed at even sh20,000, it will yield profits.”
Beyond farming (health benefits)
Reports show studies in the early stages indicate that the dragon fruit has many probable health benefits.
WebMD states that dragon fruit can aid in lowering blood sugar, enhancing gut health, reducing inflammation, fortifying your immune system, boosting iron levels and enhancing iron absorption, enhancing skin health, alleviating constipation, aiding in weight management, and safeguarding the body against diseases like cancer.
‘The dragon fruit has its function and advantage in the body. We see that it reduces cancer cells; it reduces and cures diabetes; if you don’t have blood, it increases blood levels in the body; it has vitamins; and it also reduces blood,” Wanyama reiterated.
“If farmers grow them (the dragon fruit), farmers will make money. And people who are sick will also get healing. I’m encouraging farmers to experiment with dragon fruit farming.
Production
To grow a dragon fruit, you plant a cutting and put it to grow on a pole. Planting can be done all year round in the tropical climate. The production of dragon fruits is continuous.
“We have on and off seasons. During the on season, you can harvest from November to December to January, and for the off season, harvest is from May to June and July. It’s like two seasons,” explains Wanyama.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Harvest Money expo. Besides the dragon fruit, we are also showcasing Hass avocado and honey.”
This year’s expo is being sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, Engineering Solutions Ltd. (Engsol), K-ROMA (Bella Wine), Tunga Nutrition, Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Pepsi Cola, and aBi Development.
Mandela Group also offers attendees the opportunity to win substantial prizes. To win, buy a ticket at the entrance, fill out the prize coupon, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes including cartons of maize flour, wheat flour, a nine-gear mountain bike, fuel vouchers, free car service, and a meal for two at Café Javas (CJs). The entrance fee is either sh10,000 or sh20,000, which includes daily training.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Dragon fruit on display at Harvest Money Expo. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
