Severe heatwave in Terai region impacts dragon fruit production

RUDRAPUR: The unusually high temperatures in the Terai region this year have severely affected dragon fruit cultivation, resulting in substantial losses to farmers. The intense heatwave, exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, caused temperatures to soar to 44°C in May and June, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit weight, according to officials of the horticulture department, Udham Singh Nagar.



Dragon fruit, a perennial cactus known for its medicinal properties, requires a warm climate with an annual rainfall of at least 50 cm, and temperatures ranging from 20-36°C for optimal growth. However, farmers said that excessive heat this year resulted in a significant decrease in fruit size, with most dragon fruits weighing between just 6-150 grams, much lower than the expected 250-600 grams. Consequently, they have been unable to generate profits from their crops.



Yatin Singhal, a farmer from Kashipur who has been cultivating dragon fruit for the past four years and encountered similar challenges with his crop, said, “This season, about 80% of the fruits weighed only 6-150 grams. Only 20% managed to reach 200-250 grams.”


Prabhakar Singh, chief horticulture officer of Udham Singh Nagar, said, “The extreme heat during El Nino affected the production of dragon fruit, leading to insufficient growth and reduced weight. Despite setbacks, there is hope for improved production post-monsoon and more favourable growing conditions.”


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