By Syed Wahaj Ahmed
Agricultural experts and progressive farmers have planned and proposed to set up experimental farms of grapes, pomegranates, and dragon fruits at Gorakh Hill after the successful experiments of dragon fruit grown at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU).
They said this during speaking to participants of the seminar titled: “Growing Potential of Dragon Fruit in Sindh” hosted by the SAU Department of Horticulture at the Senate Hall the other day.
SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri said he has started research on the cultivation of high-value and high-yield fruits in Sindh with a view to improving livelihood and generating opportunities for farmers.
He said agricultural development has been stagnant since the last 25 years in the country, while academic experts are conducting research on crops and fruits that are different due to the climate and environment in the province. Moreover, he said the SAU planned to hold the International Medicinal Plants Conference in Umerkot in February, 2024.
Commissioner Hyderabad Syed Khalid Haider Shah said dragon fruit is a new fruit for the province and it is an unconventional fruit as per climate. However, if it is marketed in the right direction and it will benefit the research institution, the farming community and ultimately the county.
Focal person for the dragon fruit growing project Prof Noor-un-Nisa Memon said for the first time in the university, the dragon fruit growing experiment was carried out and achieved successful results.
She said dragon fruit is highly demanded in many countries of the world, as Taiwan being one of the largest producers of this fruit in the world exports it worth US $2 billion.
She said if this fruit is exported as per international standards, more foreign exchange reserves can be earned.
Dua Foundation General Secretary Dr Fayyaz Alam said Gorakh Hill has a cool climate which is essential for planting and growing grapes, pomegranates, and dragon fruits.
“We are also working closely with local people on 60 agricultural projects in Tharparkar,” he said.
Dean of Crop Production Faculty Dr Inayatullah Rajpar, Dr Mujahid Hussain Laghari, Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar, Dr Kulsoom Babbar and others spoke on this occasion.
During the ceremony, Director General Agriculture Research Sindh Noor Muhammad Baloch, Deans of various faculties, and a large number of progressive farmers, experts, teachers, and students participated in.
What’s dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is such kind of fruit which is found in the torrid-zone of the earth. It has low calories and high fiber as it tastes like a cross between a pear and a kiwi and sometimes grapes. It can be taken with yogurt, or added to salad. This fruit is getting popularity in recent years because of its health and nutritious benefits.
The fruit bristles with several different cactus species indigenous to the region of southern Mexico and along the Pacific coasts of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador, generally grows on bay areas. However, this plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America. It is growing all over the world.—-End
