In India, the cultivation of dragon fruit or pithaya develops in several states and regions (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands) , with a total area of approximately 3,000 hectares. But production cannot meet domestic demand and the majority of dragon fruit available on the Indian market is imported from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

 

In order to reduce imports and increase national production capacity, several initiatives have emerged. MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) aims to increase the production of exotic and niche fruits, including dragon fruit or pitaya, thanks in particular to the expansion of areas with the objective of reaching 50,000 hectares in 5 years. .

 

On the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture has approved the establishment by IIHR, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, of a Center of Excellence for dragon fruit or pitaya. Center that will focus on production (new varieties, dissemination of techniques, distribution of equipment, training of farmers), post-harvest (protocols for handling and storage) and the development of value-added products and processes.

 

In 2021 the value of dragon fruit or pithaya imported by India reached INR 100 crore (USD 12.1 million). Given the rapid benefits that cultivation can generate for farmers as well as the results of the various initiatives implemented, imports could be completely replaced by local production within a few years.