Capabilities are born of possibilities and possibilities are born of determination. The determination of the district administration and farmers of Khunti to find new avenues/possibilities to multiply the incomes of the farmers is doing miracles.

Khunti district, situated at a distance of roughly 40 kilometers from the capital city of Jharkhand is predominantly tribal and has mostly undulating rocky terrain. The nature’s bounties and endowments could be seen in innumerable waterfalls, lush green fields, imposing plateaus and hills. However, this very nature of terrain has proved to be a bottleneck as paddy cannot be grown on the rocky terrain. The district administration and the farmers have always endeavored to find ways and means to convert these unproductive lands into income generating fields.

The cultivation of Dragon fruit began in the Khunti district by the initiative of a farmer named Juran Munda in the Hethgoa village of Murhu Block last year. Soon the saplings grew and fruits borne out of it earned him handsome money.

The importance of the Dragon fruit as a source of many vitamins, protection against many diseases, provider of nutrients and a good income earner was soon realized and on the directions of the Chief Minister, the district administration in association with the farmers, agriculture department and other stakeholders chalked out plans to promote the cultivation of Dragon fruit in the district on a considerable scale.

Deputy Commissioner, Khunti, Shashi Ranjan, who spearheaded the campaign said, “Considering its immense health benefits and its potential as a huge income earner, we are persuading farmers to adopt cultivation of Dragon fruit and are providing all feasible technical and financial assistance.”

Experts say that certain areas of Jharkhand are suitable for cultivation of Dragon fruit. It is a kind of cactus plant which requires minimal watering and is sold at a high price across India because of its health benefits. Though the initial investment is high, once the saplings start bearing fruits, it has a huge demand in the market and a single piece fetches between 70 to 80 rupees. Moreover, only unutilized land or lands left unused by farmers are used for growing dragon fruit.

“Soon Khunti would be known as Dragon Fruit Capital,” said the DC. He further said that the state government is providing all the necessary help and support and we are confident that the Dragon fruit of Khunti would soon sell not only in the domestic market but would cater to international markets as well.

The farmers are being trained in the cultivation of Dragon fruit by district administration in collaboration with the agriculture department of the state. These trained farmers would act as master trainers for providing training to other farmers. Entire production processes are being explained to them including measures to protect the plant.

Juran Munda, who started cultivation of Dragon fruit in the district, says “initially I was a bit skeptical but my determination worked wonders and now I am growing Dragon fruit in my entire landholding.” He is a source of inspiration for other farmers.

Currently, the cultivation of Dragon fruit is being carried out on 25 acres of land in the district. The poles (an important infrastructure) have been made available by the district administration and have already been installed at the sites. The district administration hopes to have a major output of this fruit which will do brisk business.

The Dragon fruit was exhibited at the Health Mela organized by the Tribal Ministry at Khunti and at the recently held Janjatiya Mahotsav at Morabadi, Ranchi. The stall of Dragon fruit at the Janjatiya Mahotsav was a major attraction. All the visitors to the district are welcomed with a Dragon fruit sapling. 840 Anganwadi Centres and all the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas of the district have been provided with saplings and are being encouraged to grow Dragon fruit .

The Dragon fruit cultivation and the plans to make Khunti, a Dragon Fruit Capital, establishes beyond reasonable doubt that a concerted and determined effort gives rise to possibilities which in turn build capabilities and which ultimately culminates in empowerment and prosperity of the populace.