Feni, July 11 (V7N)- Commercial dragon fruit farming is becoming more and more popular among Feni farmers, with Rubel, a local enthusiast, leading the way. Rubel started planting 912 red velvet dragon fruit trees over 50 decimal acres in Jagatpur, Purva Chandrapur Model Union, as a pastime that has grown into a serious endeavour. His garden has four dragon fruit seedlings per pole, a testament to his considerable cultivation commitment.
 
Rubel mentioned how dragon fruit first piqued his interest, emphasising the considerable costs associated in making beds, planting saplings, and continuing tree maintenance. Supported by experts from the Upazila Agriculture Department like Rased, the local agriculture department has ensured adequate upkeep, which has resulted in good harvests.
 
An experimental yield of 120 kg of dragon fruit was produced this year in the garden, which was built last year under the Agricultural Development Project spanning Noakhali, Feni, Lakshipur, Chandpur, and Chittagong, according to sources at the Upazila Agriculture Extension Directorate. About 4,000 kg is the goal for the next year.
 
Recently, the garden was inspected by local officials and Deputy Director Md. Ekram Uddin of the Agriculture Extension Department Feni. The continual advisory help with regard to field management, pest control, and disease prevention was stressed by Abdullah Al Maruf, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer in Daganbhuya.
 
The dietary advantages of dragon fruit were emphasised by Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohiuddin Majumder, who cited the fruit's high antioxidant content and the presence of magnesium, beta-carotene, and lycopene. He emphasised the cooperation between the Daganbhoona Upazila Agricultural Extension Department and the production of dragon fruit, providing technical advice and assistance in developing new plantations.
 
Even though dragon fruit is a foreign fruit, its nutritional value—which includes its ability to cure cancer and diabetes—has led to its cultivation becoming more popular in Bangladesh.
 
END/MKB/SMA/