[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’URBAN FARMER ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=’18’ font_color=” color=”]
IN ORDER to boost the productivity of the dragon fruit plant, its nutrient requirements should always be provided.
This can be attained through proper fertilization and application of modern farming technologies.
The plant also requires a tropical climate to thrive, particularly when you are growing for commercial purposes.
The projections for dragon fruit to become a plantation crop in the country have surged, primarily due to the increasing demand – locally and internationally.
To meet the rising demand for dragon fruits, the Dragon Wellness Farms, Inc., which is located at Sitio Tanauan in Barangay Palaypalay, Jalajala, Rizal, has started to boost its production.
Aside from the present 13 hectares of land which is already planted with about 13,000 productive hills of dragon fruit plants, the farm is now in the process of developing another seven hectares for its expansion.
The farm management says that they have to increase their production to meet the increasing demand for the fruit.
With proper fertilization, the farm now produces an average output of about 90 tons per fruiting season.
So far, the biggest enemy of the dragon fruit plant is waterlogging.
Too much rainfall or waterlogging will lead to flower drop, and may cause the fruits to rot.
The plant also requires a tropical climate, especially when growing for commercial purposes to maintain a successful and fruitful plantation.
The popularity of dragon fruit has been increasing over the past several years.
It has become the choice of almost everybody, particularly those who are concerned with their health.
Dragon fruit is considered as among the most nutritious fruits available in the market.
Dragon fruit, which is also known as Pitaya Fruit or Pitahaya Fruit, has become a favourite – due to its mouth-watering light sweet taste and unusual shape.
The popularity of dragon fruit climbed because of its nutritional values, among many other things.
The fruit contains Vitamin C, minerals, and have high fiber content, aside from containing phytoalbumins.
Basically, these nutrients are known for the antioxidants they possess which usually help in the prevention of the formation of free radicals that may cause cancer.
Similarly, regular consumption of dragon fruit has also benefited those suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.
The fruit comes from the dragon fruit cactus plant, which usually appears like vines.
The dragon fruit has three varieties – red variety (Hylocerus undatus), white flesh variety (Hylocerus polyrhizus), and the yellow variety (Selenicereus megalanthus).
These are the three most common varieties which are cultivated for commercial purposes.
The plant usually blooms several times in a year – usually from the months of May up to October.
Dragon fruit has a very high potential because it is now used in producing juices, wine, jam, and even vinegar, aside from the medicinal value which it contributes.
For becoming one of the famous products in Jalajala, the Dragon Wellness Farm is humble to say that its effort in producing dragon fruits is one way of helping the town to develop by providing livelihood opportunities to the local residents. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
