Postharvest management and value addition of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in India

Abstract

Dragon fruit (Kamalam) is gaining global recognition as a super crop due to its easy cultivation, high stress tolerance, and nutraceutical benefits. With its potential to thrive on degraded lands in India, large-scale farming is expanding rapidly, anticipating a production surge over 50,000 ha in next three years. While ensuring its success, effective plantation, harvesting and postharvest practices are essential, especially considering its short shelf-life of 5–7 days. Key postharvest disorders such as splitting, mechanical and chilling injury, moisture loss, and decay must be addressed promptly to minimize losses. Additionally, managing by-product wastes, such as peel and bulk stem segments for industrial applications is crucial for profitable agriculture. The current postharvest practices discussed need to be strictly implemented for fresh dragon fruit, as a major portion undergoes fresh consumption in the country. To address seasonal gluts and extend shelf-life, valorised products from dragon fruit pulp and peel developed by ICAR–NIASM
are emphasized. The article concludes by stressing the importance of postharvest research, infrastructure development, market standards and policy formulation to support increased production, exports, and improve the livelihoods of poor and marginal farmers on degraded lands.