Dragon Fruit Farming: This Indian soldier tried his luck in farming, now he is doing wonders in foreign countries too

Dragon Fruit Farming: Ever pondered what it would be like for a soldier used to carrying a pistol and stationed on the border to begin cultivating vegetables in the fields? This is the tale of Gopalkrishna Kanchodu, a South Kannada native from Ujire who served for eighteen years in the Indian Army, protecting the nation. When he retired, he chose to enter the fields after demonstrating his valor in commando and artillery. His efforts have paid off now, as the dragon fruit he grows on his farms is being exported to both India and other countries.

How can a soldier become a farmer?

Most individuals wish to live a comfortable life after leaving the army, but Gopalkrishna Kanchodu took a different approach. “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” became his motto, and he plunged into farming. He began growing dragon fruit on his one-acre plot of land in the town of Nada. After learning the farming technique via study, he progressively began farming on a huge scale. He is now regarded as a prosperous farmer as a result of his diligent efforts.

What is the cultivation process for dragon fruit?

2,000 plants have been planted on the 500 pillars that Gopalkrishna placed on his land. On each pillar, four trees have been planted. He maintained a gap of eight feet between the pillars and 10 feet between the rows since the crop requires enough sunshine and the proper spacing. Dragon fruit may be produced alongside other crops, which can help farmers make more money.

Fruit from Indian farmers is making its way overseas

You may be shocked to hear that Gopalkrishna Kanchodu’s farms produce dragon fruit, which is marketed both domestically and overseas. Through the marketplaces in Kallapu and Kochi, his fruits are sent to Arab nations. He fertilizes each pillar three times a year to feed the produce. He makes organic fertilizer for this by combining granulated sugarcane, bitter gourd, and cow or chicken manure. This preserves the crop’s quality and produces a healthy yield.

Dragon fruit’s advantages and profits

There are several uses for dragon fruit. It is used to make juice, candies, halwa, and even dosa. Its peels are also used to make dosa and idli. In five years, if Rs 6 lakh is invested in the first year, the whole amount is recouped and profits begin to flow.

Production is rising annually

For the last four years, Gopalakrishna Kanchodu has been cultivating dragon fruit. He gathered three and a half tons in the third year and ten tons in the fourth. This year, his crop went for between Rs 150 and Rs 155 per kilogram, compared to Rs 175 per kg last year. His productivity is rising annually as a result of innovative agricultural methods and diligent farming.