Dragon fruit cultivation is gaining ground in Rajbari, where a two-acre orchard is producing around 2,000kg of fruit daily during the peak season, supplying local markets and buyers in neighbouring districts and Dhaka.
The orchard in Bajitpur village of Basantapur union, Rajbari Sadar, is the district’s largest, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension and local sources.
It has around 4,000 plants bearing red and pink fruit, with growers citing strong demand and relatively low production costs.
The orchard’s owner and workers say each plant has yielded an average of 10 to 12kg of fruit.
Dragon fruit currently sells for Tk150 per kg in the local wholesale market.
The harvest reaches markets in Faridpur, Kushtia and Dhaka, while local customers and wholesale traders visit the orchard to buy freshly picked fruit.
Orchard manager Jamadi Ul Alam attributed the bumper harvest to favourable soil and weather conditions, balanced fertiliser use, timely irrigation and careful maintenance.
“We have followed proper cultivation practices from the beginning, and regular care and close supervision have brought a better-than-expected harvest,” he said.
Alam said the farm prioritised quality alongside production, seeking to prevent the misuse of chemicals and ensure safe, nutritious fruit.
The orchard has also become a destination for people seeking fresh produce directly from growers, with visitors drawn to its rows of ripe dragon fruit.
Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Bajitpur, said buying directly from the orchard allowed him to choose freshly harvested fruit without worrying about whether market produce was stale or chemically treated.
“The fruit here is large, sweet and juicy. I came to buy directly from the orchard for my family’s nutrition,” he said.
Wholesale trader Saiful Islam, who travels from Faridpur, said Rajbari’s dragon fruit was popular with customers because of its size, sweetness and quality.
“I regularly buy fruit here at wholesale prices and sell it in Faridpur. Fresh produce from the orchard also helps our sales,” he said.
Farhana Yasmin, who visited the orchard with her family from Rajbari town, said her children enjoyed exploring the plantation.
She was also pleased to buy fresh, ripe fruit directly from the plants.
The local agriculture department is providing growers with technical advice on plant nutrition, disease control and modern cultivation methods.
Sub-assistant agriculture officers regularly inspect orchards and guide farmers on fertiliser application and plant care.
Sub-assistant Agriculture Officer Mostak Khan said interest in dragon fruit cultivation was growing, with field-level guidance helping farmers achieve better results.
Rajbari Sadar Agriculture Officer Jony Khan said continued technical assistance and supervision were helping the district move towards becoming a model for dragon fruit production.
The department is working to encourage more entrepreneurs to take up commercial cultivation by providing technical and practical support.
With demand extending beyond Rajbari, dragon fruit cultivation is emerging as another income-generating opportunity for local growers.
