Dragon Fruit: A New-Age Fruit forNutrition, Income and Sustainable Farming

Abstract

Kamalam fruit is emerging as a high-value fruit crop in India owing to its richness in nutritional profile, adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and increasing consumer demand. Rich in dietary fibre, minerals and antioxidants such as betalains, it is increasingly recognised as a health promoting fruit. The crop requires relatively low water, tolerates low fertile soils and bears early,
making it suitable for sustainable horticulture. With increasing production, value addition has become mandatory to enhance market demand and farmer’s income. Research-led innovations such as Kamalam RTS, a ready-to-serve beverage with natural colour and prolonged shelf life, and dragon fruit powder with extended storage stability and diverse food applications, demonstrate the crop’s processing potential. Overall, dragon fruit offers great potential for nutrition security, entrepreneurship and profitable diversification of farming systems in India.