Bangladesh's agriculture sector is crucial for its rapid economic expansion, and establishing a sustainable and ecologically friendly agricultural system is important for long-term food security. In the past, Bangladesh imported many fruits, including dragon fruit, but now it has started producing them. Dragon fruit cultivation began in Bangladesh in 2014-15, and it is becoming an important crop for farmers in northern and southern regions. Demand for the fruit has grown quickly. Dragon fruit can now be grown year-round in Bangladesh by using electric lights in place of natural light. By using specific types of bulbs such as the 100-watt Incandescent Bulb (IB) and 20-watt warm LED, farmers can achieve high yields with optimal fruit size. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has found that the highest number of buds per pillar, highest number of fruits per pillar, and the highest fruit size were obtained using these specific bulbs.
The bright pink or crimson skin of dragon fruit is covered with green scales. Dragon fruit is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit that has a number of health benefits. The fruit has a somewhat sweet taste and is abundant in nutrients such as vitamin C, minerals, phenolic acid, betacyanin and antioxidants. It also aids digestion and immune function, is low in calories, may lower the risk of chronic illness, and improves skin health. Dragon fruit is typically grown in tropical climate with warm temperatures.
Figure 1 illustrates the growth of dragon fruit cultivation in Bangladesh, with the area of land allocated to dragon fruit production increasing over time. The graph shows a consistent increase in cultivation area, demonstrating the country's rising interest and investment in dragon fruit farming.
Figure 2 depicts Bangladesh's incredible increase in yearly dragon fruit production. The graph shows a steady growing trend, showing that the amount of dragon fruit gathered each year is increasing. This significant growth in output illustrates the success and potential of Bangladesh's dragon fruit business, indicating rising demand and good growing circumstances. Area of land dedicated to dragon fruit farming has increased steadily from 38 hectares in 2015-2016 to 1115 hectares in 2021-2022. Likewise, the annual production has increased significantly from 277 metric tons in 2015-2016 to 13,872 metric tons in 2021- 2022, according to the Horticulture Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Demand for dragon fruit has increased as a result of the industry's expansion, which has increased employment possibilities in allied sectors including marketing, packaging, and transportation. As the dragon fruit market expands, additional employment possibilities will probably be generated, which will raise the nation's labour force participation rate even further.
Locally grown dragon fruit with a suggested retail price of Tk 350-600 per kg depending on the size and season is available at the majority of shop fruit stands. The imported one cost between Tk 500 and Tk 800 per kg. According to a study in International tropical fruits network, it is probable that Bangladeshi buyers would choose to buy locally farmed dragon fruit due to its accessibility, dependability, affordability, and superior flavour and texture. Locally grown dragon fruits are fresher and of better quality than imported ones since they are gathered when fully mature. The availability of locally cultivated dragon fruit is more consistent throughout the year, making it easier for buyers to get it. Because of decreased shipping costs and fewer import duties, locally-grown dragon fruit is often less expensive, making it more accessible to consumers. Customers are more interested in supporting local farmers and the local economy, and buying locally cultivated dragon fruits may help the local agricultural sector prosper.
Increasing the budget for development expenditure indicates that the government is prioritising investments in the agricultural sector. This can lead to the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of farmers, such as training and education, development of infrastructure, and research and development. These investments can help to increase the yield and quality of agricultural products, which can increase income and reduce the dependence on imports.
Additionally, increasing the budget for operating expenditure can help improve the administration and management of the Ministry of Agriculture. This can lead to better coordination and implementation of programmes aimed at supporting farmers, as well as the development and enforcement of policies that support the growth of the agricultural sector. Increasing the budget for Development and Operational expenses can help program management and administration, which will enhance the coordination and application of regulations that can increase dragon fruit productivity and quality.
According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) annual report 2021-2022, different research institute conducted study on dragon fruit. Several studies were conducted in different regions of Bangladesh to explore various aspects of dragon fruit cultivation. These studies included assessing the effect of stem pruning on growth and yield, identifying the suitable light for off-season production, evaluating the effect of bud thinning on quality fruit production, and testing different growing media for rooftop production. Another study aimed to standardise the soil media for dragon fruit cultivation in rooftop gardening. These studies demonstrate efforts to improve dragon fruit cultivation techniques in Bangladesh and can potentially lead to increased production and economic benefits.
The Solow growth model is a macroeconomic theory that describes long-term economic growth as the result of capital accumulation, labour force growth, and technological progress. It emphasises the role of technology in promoting economic growth by increasing productivity and efficiency, and it provides a framework for analysing how changes in various macroeconomic factors, such as investment and savings rates, affect the rate of economic growth. In the context of the dragon fruit industry in Bangladesh, the Solow growth model can be used to analyse how investments in capital equipment, human capital, and technological progress can improve productivity, increase output, and promote economic growth.
Particularly in terms of the Solow growth model, modern technologies and equipment have significantly influenced the dragon fruit industry in Bangladesh. Traditional methods of planting, harvesting, and upkeep were usually used in the past for the production of dragon fruit. Dragon fruit farming has improved in terms of productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness with the introduction of cutting-edge technology and techniques. Encouraging the growth and development of the dragon fruit business in Bangladesh would involve government interventions at the macroeconomic level. This includes policies and actions that can impact the overall performance of the economy. Providing financial aid and subsidies would be a form of fiscal policy aimed at boosting investment and productivity in the dragon fruit industry. Building infrastructure, such as roads and transportation networks, would enhance the connectivity of the industry and facilitate its growth. Providing educational opportunities, such as training and skills development programmes, would enhance the human capital of the industry and improve its competitiveness. Promoting research and development (R&D) would facilitate innovation and technological advancement in the industry. Finally, opening up markets would involve trade policy to facilitate export of dragon fruits and expand the potential market for the industry. All of these interventions aim to create an enabling environment for the dragon fruit industry to thrive and contribute to the overall growth and development of the economy. These steps can not only reduce the reliance on imported dragon fruit but also raise farmers' income, open up new job prospects, and promote the nation's general economic development. The government can increase the potential for exports while decreasing the amount of foreign money that is lost by investing in domestic dragon fruit cultivation.
Dragon fruit cultivation in Bangladesh can positively impact the country's growth by increasing its agricultural output, creating job opportunities, and improving the standard of living for households. This, in turn, can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth, as per the Solow growth model. By adopting advanced techniques and technologies, farmers can increase their income and promote export potential, which can generate foreign exchange and create more job opportunities and contribute to the country's growth. Additionally, promoting the consumption of dragon fruit can improve the nutrition status of the population, which can lead to better health outcomes and contribute to the country's overall human capital development.
Sabrina Yeasmin is a post-graduate student of Economics at BRAC University. sabye0805@gmail.com