Six years ago, Akbar Ali Ahmed, a progressive farmer from the Chirang district in Assam, made a bold decision that would redefine his farming journey and inspire many others in his community. "I wanted to try something different, something that could inspire others and bring sustainable growth to my community,” Akbar explains. With this vision, Akbar decided to shift from traditional crops to the exotic and high-demand dragon fruit. Through his venture, Khidmat Agro Nursery & Farm, he not only transformed his financial situation but also set a powerful example for local farmers.
By taking a risk on dragon fruit farming, Akbar has successfully increased his annual earnings to an impressive Rs 1 crore. His success has inspired numerous farmers in his community to adopt innovative farming practices, setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture in Assam.
Taking the First Step: Embracing an Exotic Crop
When Akbar Ali chose to shift from conventional farming to dragon fruit cultivation six years ago, he understood he was stepping into uncharted territory. Dragon fruit, though gaining popularity globally, was still unfamiliar to the farmers of Assam. Akbar faced initial challenges in understanding the unique requirements of the crop. Despite these obstacles, he was committed to creating a successful venture.
“Dragon fruit farming was new and required a lot of research and planning. But I was convinced of its potential,” Akbar shared.
After studying various varieties, he decided on the LD-1 type, known for its high productivity and quality. Akbar’s goal was clear: not only to achieve economic growth but to contribute to Assam’s agricultural diversity by introducing a crop that is both profitable and environmentally friendly.
Building "Khidmat Agro Nursery & Farm”
Akbar established "Khidmat Agro Nursery & Farm" and dedicated 2 hectares to dragon fruit cultivation. The farm quickly gained recognition, becoming a leading name in Assam's dragon fruit production. With an annual turnover exceeding Rs 1 crore, Akbar’s venture illustrates the potential for non-traditional farming in creating new economic opportunities.
“This journey has been rewarding, not just for me but for my community. I wanted to show that with the right resources, farmers here can achieve success with high-value crops,” he explained.
Akbar's farm now sets a standard, proving that a well-thought-out crop selection can yield substantial financial returns while enriching the community.
Overcoming Challenges with Determination and Knowledge
Starting with dragon fruit came with its challenges. “The first year was difficult due to the high initial cost,” Akbar revealed. Installing sturdy pillars for the plants, acquiring saplings, and setting up an efficient irrigation system required a substantial investment, approximately Rs 14-15 lakh per hectare. Each plant costs about Rs 30, and one hectare accommodates around 15,000 plants. A significant portion of the investment went into setting up pillars, each costing about Rs 500, a crucial support for the climbing plants.
However, he saw this as a long-term investment. The crop has a lifespan of about 20 years, with maintenance costs dropping significantly after the initial setup. This choice, combined with his careful management, paid off. Within a year, Akbar’s dragon fruit plants began bearing fruits, yielding around 15-20 kg of fruit per pillar annually. After two years, his fields were producing up to 30 tonnes per hectare, resulting in an impressive annual turnover.
High-Yielding Harvests and Consistent Profits
Akbar’s dragon fruit plants began bearing fruit within the first year, and his farm quickly started reaping the benefits. On average, each pillar produces around 15-20 kg of fruit annually, with up to eight harvests per year. “It takes about 45 days from flowering to fruit formation,” Akbar Ali notes, highlighting the quick turnaround time.
By the second year, the farm was producing 25-30 tonnes per hectare, generating a steady annual income of over Rs 1 crore. From this point onward, the per-hectare cost is around ₹1.5 to 2 lakh for the next 20 years, making it much more economical than traditional crops.
Meeting Market Demand with Nutrient-Rich Fruits
Dragon fruit has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its health benefits and nutrient-rich profile. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it appeals to a growing segment of health-conscious consumers. Recognizing this demand, Akbar Ali has focused on producing high-quality fruits that attract premium prices in the market. “Dragon fruit is not just profitable; it’s a crop with immense health value,” he notes. “Knowing that my efforts are contributing to people’s health is very satisfying.”
The demand for dragon fruit has increased in recent years, further boosting the farm’s profitability. Akbar Ali’s success has sparked interest among local farmers, who are now eager to learn about the potential of dragon fruit farming.
Embracing Technology for Better Yields
One of the pillars of Akbar Ali’s success is his dedication to using modern, sustainable farming techniques. "Farming is evolving, and so should our methods," he says. Embracing techniques like drip irrigation, he has managed to conserve water, an essential resource for sustainable agriculture. He installed a drip irrigation system that minimized water usage, an essential feature for dragon fruit farming, which thrives even in low-water environments. In addition, he relies on organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, ensuring that his produce is both high-quality and environmentally friendly.
“Implementing new techniques helped me achieve better yields and minimized environmental impact,” Akbar noted. His emphasis on modern farming practices has not only boosted his yields but has also made his farming model environmentally sustainable, contributing positively to the region's ecology.
Empowering the Community through Employment Opportunities
One of the highlights of Akbar Ali’s farm is its contribution to local employment. Currently, more than 20 people work on his farm, receiving training in dragon fruit cultivation and other farming operations. This employment initiative has strengthened his community, providing opportunities for local youth to gain skills and earn a livelihood.
“When I began, I wanted this venture to benefit everyone around me. By creating jobs, I am not only improving my farm’s productivity but also helping my community,” he shared.
Akbar’s commitment to community welfare reflects his broader vision of using farming as a force for positive change. The economic impact of his farm extends beyond his own profits, empowering those in his village.
Model for Sustainable Income: Long-Term Benefits of Dragon Fruit Farming
Dragon fruit farming is an ideal choice for areas with limited water resources, as it is relatively drought-resistant. This aspect, along with the fruit’s increasing demand due to its nutritional and health benefits, has made dragon fruit a highly profitable crop in the long run. Akbar’s dedication and foresight transformed this farming venture into a stable, sustainable source of income.
“A farmer can secure a steady income with dragon fruit,” he said. “With minimal maintenance costs after the first two years, it’s a crop that provides reliable returns.”
Thanks to Akbar’s efforts, local farmers are increasingly looking to dragon fruit as a viable alternative to traditional crops.
Akbar Ali’s story has motivated many farmers in Assam to explore dragon fruit farming. He regularly shares his knowledge and experiences with aspiring farmers, believing in the power of collaboration and shared learning. By hosting workshops and guiding interested farmers, Akbar Ali is making a meaningful contribution to Assam's agricultural sector. His journey has inspired a wave of innovation among local farmers, who are now more open to exploring non-traditional, profitable crops.
In Akbar’s words, “Farming is not just about crops; it’s about building a future. If you dream big and work hard, success will follow.”
His story serves as an inspiration for progressive farmers everywhere, reminding them of the boundless potential that lies in embracing change, learning continuously, and giving back to the community.
(This story was first published on Krishi Jagran Hindi)
