US-returned IT engineer scripts success story with dragon fruit farming in Odisha

In a shift from traditional farming of staple grains and cash crops, Odisha is witnessing rapid growth in the exotic farming sector. The latest success in this regard has come from Raichhapal village under Kuarmunda block in Sundargarh district where dragon fruit cultivation has taken off.

A glaring example is the success story of Arunachari Pulwarti, a resident of Basanti Colony in Rourkela, who worked as an IT engineer in the US for 10 years before returning home four years ago. Passionate about horticulture, he decided to pursue dragon fruit farming and began cultivation in June last year, planting 1,200 saplings in two phases on his 1.5-acre farm.

Using organic farming techniques, his crops have grown rapidly and his efforts have now borne fruit with large batches of dragon fruit being ready to harvest at his farm, making him self-sufficient while also inspiring others.

“I am an IITian and received good job offers after returning to India. However, I wanted to do something impactful for society, and it was when I came across dragon fruit farming. India has a large scope for it, but currently, the awareness is pretty low,” stated Pulwarti.

In response to this, Dushmant Kumar Behera, Assistant Director of the Horticulture Department in Panposh confirmed that the climate here is suitable for dragon fruit farming and also stated that the government will spread awareness regarding its cultivation to help local farmers.

Meanwhile, the fields of Badakumari village in Umerkote block of Nabarangpur are filled with lush, red strawberries. Using organic methods, modern farming techniques, and with support from the Horticulture Department, farmers here have mastered the art.

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Currently, strawberries are being sold at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg in the market. With plans to expand cultivation, farmers estimate an annual income of Rs 4 to 5 lakh may come from strawberry farming.