Dragon Fruit Takes Root in Himachal Hills as CSIR-IHBT Records First Successful Harvest
In a breakthrough that could open new opportunities for farmers in Himachal Pradesh, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, has successfully cultivated and harvested dragon fruit in the state’s mid-hill region for the first time under scientifically validated conditions.
Traditionally associated with warmer climates and the plains, dragon fruit was not considered an obvious choice for Himachal’s cooler hills. However, a CSIR-IHBT team led by Director Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav decided to test whether the high-value crop could adapt to the Himalayan environment.
The experiment began on May 10, 2025, with a small number of cuttings supported on trellises. The challenge was significant, with researchers having to assess how the plants would respond to cold winter nights, frost and heavy monsoon rainfall.
Over the following months, the team closely monitored the plants, recorded their growth and fine-tuned cultivation practices to suit local conditions.
The effort paid off on November 4, 2026, when the institute recorded its first successful harvest. The dragon fruits were vibrant, large and of high quality, with individual fruits weighing up to 750 grams, comparable with produce grown in warmer tropical regions.
The successful trial suggests that dragon fruit could emerge as a promising high-value crop for Himachal’s mid-hill farmers. Its relatively low water requirement and potential to generate higher returns from small landholdings could make it an attractive option for farmers looking to diversify beyond traditional crops.
More importantly, the experiment shows how scientific intervention can help introduce new crops suited to changing climatic and economic conditions in the hills.
CSIR-IHBT now plans to further refine its cultivation package so that the technology can eventually be adopted by farmers with greater confidence.
If scaled successfully, dragon fruit could add a new dimension to Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector, offering farmers another avenue for income diversification and sustainable agriculture.