Roshan Lal Blossoms into a Pioneer: How a Himachal Farmer is Redefining Success with Dragon Fruit

Age is just a number, and 74-year-old Roshan Lal from Upper Bal village in Bangana, Una, is proving it every day. Breaking free from traditional farming, this spirited farmer has turned his land into a thriving hub of innovation, cultivating high-value dragon fruit and inspiring an entire community.

From Experiment to Success: A Dragon Fruit Revolution

What started as a small experiment in 2023 has now flourished into a flourishing venture. With 3,300 Taiwan pink variety dragon fruit plants spread across 25 canals of land, Roshan Lal’s hard work is bearing sweet rewards. Selling each fruit for ₹80–100, he expects earnings of ₹4–4.5 lakh this year—a testament to his vision and perseverance.

A Fruit That Keeps Giving

Dragon fruit isn’t just a profitable crop—it’s a long-term blessing. Packed with potassium, calcium, and antioxidants, this exotic fruit is in high demand. What makes it even more special? Once planted, a single tree can yield fruit for 25–30 years, ensuring a steady income for farmers like Roshan Lal.

Mixed Farming: The Secret to Stability

Roshan Lal’s success isn’t limited to dragon fruit alone. By adopting mixed farming—growing onions, garlic, and other vegetables alongside—he earned an extra ₹20,000 last year. Even initial dragon fruit sales added ₹15,000, proving that diversification is key to resilience. His journey is a powerful lesson: with dedication and smart farming, self-reliance is within reach.

Government Support Fuels Growth

Challenges like wildlife damaging crops once troubled Roshan Lal, but with help from the Horticulture Department, things changed. Under the Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, he secured an 80% subsidy for drip irrigation. Regular guidance from officials on crop nutrition and pest control has further strengthened his efforts.

Upper Bal: A Model Village for Progressive Farming

Thanks to Roshan Lal’s pioneering spirit, Upper Bal is now a Front Line Demonstration Site, with eight progressive farmers joining the dragon fruit revolution. With ₹18.75 lakh invested in infrastructure—cement poles, fencing, and pits—the village is fast becoming a role model for innovative farming.

A Vision for Self-Reliant Himachal

Una’s District Collector, Jatin Lal, highlights how high-value crops like dragon fruit are transforming rural economies. By encouraging farmers to embrace innovation, Himachal is moving closer to self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Roshan Lal’s story is more than just farming success—it’s a reminder that passion and perseverance know no age. At 74, he’s not just growing fruits; he’s cultivating hope and inspiring a new generation of farmers.