Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has recently successfully developed year-round dragon fruit in the country by using artificial lighting.
BARI held a workshop at Pahartoli of Khulshi in Chattogram on Saturday over the success of the institute where its Director General Dr Abul Kalam Azad was present as the chief guest.
Normally, the dragon fruit flower blooms in April and provide flowers and fruits until November but with the help of artificial light and temperature the researchers have successfully managed to produce its flowers and fruits throughout the year.
Dragon fruit is a high value plant of cactus species which is taken as fruit or juice, according to a press release of BARI.
The cultivation of dragon fruit, originated from Mexico and South America, is very profitable commercially. Now the fruit, rich with anti-oxidant, Vitamin A, C, E, is being widely cultivated commercially in Thailand and Vietnam, reports UNB.