Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation in 50000 hectares

Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation in 50000 hectares

Subject: Geography

Section: Agriculture

Context: Following the footsteps of the Gujarat and Haryana Governments, the Centre has decided to promote the cultivation of dragon fruit, known as a “super fruit” forits health benefits

Features of the dragon fruit:

• The fruit is considered good for diabetic patients, low in calories and high in nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium and zinc
• The fruit plant doesn’t need much water and can be cultivated on dry land
• The plant doesn’t need productive land, it gives maximum production from non productive, less fertile area
• All the states in India except cold areas are suitable for dragon fruit plants
• The initial investment is high. But it gives fast returns within a year

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing MIDH with effect from 2014-15.
  It  is implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana
• Under MIDH, Government of India (GOI) contributes 60%, of total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in North East and Himalayas, 40% share is contributed by State Governments.
• In the case of North Easter States and Himalayan States, GOI contributes 90%