Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has secured two Indian patents for innovative hand-held tools designed to improve dragon fruit harvesting. These low-cost, farmer-friendly tools are set to make dragon fruit farming safer, more efficient, and more profitable for cultivators across the state.
Traditionally, dragon fruit was harvested by twisting it off its cactus-like stem, a method that often damaged the plant, reduced the fruit’s shelf life, and lowered its market value. The newly developed tools offer a gentler and more precise alternative that protects both the plant and the fruit, ensuring better quality and higher returns.
The tools were developed by a dedicated research team comprising Dr Wasim Siddiqui, Dr Shamim, Dr Satyanarayan, Dr Mahesh, Dr Singh, Dr Fozia, and Dr Sanoj Kumar. Designed to meet the needs of both smallholders and commercial growers, these compact, durable, and easy-to-use devices are especially suitable for rural areas where access to advanced equipment is limited.
This innovation directly aligns with the state's Dragon Fruit Vikas Yojana, a government-backed scheme currently active in 21 districts of Bihar. The programme offers a 40% subsidy to promote large-scale dragon fruit cultivation, with the aim of diversifying cropping patterns and boosting farmer incomes.
BAU Vice Chancellor Dr D R Singh highlighted that the development of these tools is part of a broader effort to reshape agriculture in Bihar by making it more rewarding and less labour-intensive. “Through innovations like this, we’re empowering farmers with the tools and technology they need to reduce harvesting costs and improve their profits,” he stated.
With dragon fruit gaining popularity for its high nutritional value and strong market demand, this patented breakthrough is expected to support the growing number of farmers cultivating the fruit across the state.
