On-campus demonstration on “Supplementary and Hand Pollination in Dragon Fruit” was organized on September 28^th, 2021 at Dragon Fruit Orchard, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati. Dragon fruit cultivating farmers (more than 10) and students (15) were participated in the programme. Dr. Boraiah, K M, Scientist (Plant Breeding) explained factors responsible for reduced fruit set and size and how the rainfall during flower opening (Anthesis) period causes flower/immature fruit drop by demonstrating the experiments conducted in the orchard. Further, he explained briefly about possible solutions farmers can be adopt to prevent flower and immature fruit drop and also demonstrated results of self-pollination and cross pollination experiments. Farmers were also practiced the emasculation and hand pollination in dragon fruit during the demonstration. They appreciated the ongoing dragon fruit experiments and also suggested to work on alternate methods to hand pollination, off-season flowering induction, storage and post-harvest and processing aspects. Farmers shared their experience and shown interest to adopt the technology i.e supplementary and hand pollination in dragon fruit since this technology besides preventing the flower and immature fruit drop, also enhances the size and quality of the fruit compared to natural pollinated fruits. Thus, this technology will definitely help in enhancing the farmers’ income as bigger size and better-quality fruits fetch a premium price besides preventing the yield losses due to rainfall. The Director, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati suggested to popularize the technology by publishing technology folders/leaflets and advised scientist to conduct training programs and Dragon fruit Day.

The programme was coordinated and conducted by Dr. Boraiah, KM. Dr. Vijaysinha Kakade, Dr. Harisha CB and Dr. Basavaraj P S.