Chandigarh: In the heartland of Punjab, where fields are traditionally adorned with wheat and rice, a new chapter in agriculture is being authored by Sr. Tajinder Singh, son of Sr. Pritam Singh village Adalatpur, Kalanaur Tehsil, District Gurdaspur by cultivating a different variety, seldom seen in the land of five rivers. He has orchestrated a tale of success through unconventional choice of dragon fruit farming.
In 2019, Tajinder Singh decided to break the tradition of growing only certain crops and diversify his family's farming practices, paving the way for his journey by recognizing the potential of dragon fruit in the Punjab climate into a dragon fruit haven. He was influenced by the internet to start farming dragon fruit. Starting from 0.5 hectare of land with almost 2400 plants of dragon fruits purchased from Maharashtra, India.Tajinder Singh managed his farm very efficiently with the help of a helper.
The early days were not without challenges. Punjab's climate presented its own set of obstacles, requiring Tajinder Singh to innovate irrigation methods and pest control strategies tailored to the region. Undeterred, he sought guidance from agricultural experts and experimented with techniques until he found the perfect formula.Due to climatic conditions, both summer and winter have challenges that result in the prevalence of fungal diseases at the beginning of both seasons. During the summer season from May to June and during the winter season from February to March.Additionally, there are some types of pesticides present.Tajinder Singh earns about Rs. 3 Lakh annually with a harvest of almost 15 quintals.His product is sold at both his own shop and in Amritsar Mandi.He created a niche for his produce.
Tajinder Singh's dragon fruit farming success in Punjab is not just a story of agricultural innovation but a testament to the spirit of Punjab's farmers. His message to all other farmers of Punjab is that they should follow different progressive farming methods and break the taboo of growing the particular crops and selling it at MSP. Through determination, adaptibility, and a touch of agricultural artistry, Tajinder has cultivated a legacy that continues to blossom in the field of Punjab.
