Dr. Sunila Kumari, Founder & CEO of Dragonflora Farms, hails from Haryana, where her deep-rooted passion for agriculture began. She pursued a Ph.D. in Horticulture, followed by an MBA in international business management, equipping her with a unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen. With over 15 years of diverse experience in academia, the corporate sector, and entrepreneurship, she eventually established Dragonflora Farms.
Driven by her passion for sustainable farming and farmer empowerment, Dr. Sunila founded Dragonflora Farms to promote the cultivation of exotic fruits, particularly dragon fruit. Her mission is to support farmers, introduce innovative farming techniques, and contribute to the growth of India’s agricultural landscape.
Journey of Dr. Sunila and Dragonflora Farms LLP
“We often call dragon fruit the fruit of the future—and for good reason,” says Dr. Sunila. “It is resilient, adaptable to various climatic conditions, and packed with immense health benefits, making it a sustainable yet highly profitable crop.”
Inspired by its potential, she launched Dragonflora Farms LLP with the vision of making dragon fruit cultivation accessible and profitable for Indian farmers. Coming from a horticultural background, she recognized the challenges farmers faced in cultivating this high-value crop—mainly the lack of knowledge and resources. Determined to bridge this gap, she integrated scientific practices with hands-on support to make dragon fruit farming a viable option.
Her journey has been remarkable, from providing scientific guidance and training to over 100 farmers to establishing Dragonflora Farms as a recognized leader in sustainable dragon fruit farming. Every milestone has been a learning experience, and today, Dragonflora Farms is a trusted source for farmer-centric solutions that promote sustainable and profitable dragon fruit cultivation. Dr. Sunila also envisions expanding the venture’s impact beyond India and reaching global markets.
Dragonflora’s Approach to Sustainable Farming and Innovative Technologies
Sustainability is at the core of Dragonflora Farms. The organization encourages organic farming practices and advises farmers to minimize chemical use, especially those that leave harmful residues. Precision farming techniques are also promoted to optimize resources efficiently.
To simplify farming processes, Dragonflora provides farmers with customized scientific packages tailored to their regional requirements. These packages help farmers understand what inputs to use and when, minimizing costs and labor while maximizing yield without harming the environment.
Dragonflora Farms supports farmers at every stage—from planting to post-harvest. The venture also assists in value-chain processes, ensuring that produce reaches consumers without the use of artificial ripeners or unsustainable farming practices. Additionally, farmers are educated on eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as gunny bags and bamboo baskets, to further promote sustainability.
Challenges in Introducing Dragon Fruit Cultivation and How They Were Overcome
Dragon fruit still requires significant awareness and promotion in India. Even in urban areas, consumer knowledge about the fruit remains limited. Education is crucial—both in terms of its consumption benefits and farming potential.
One of the primary challenges is balancing imports with local production. While India imports dragon fruit from other countries, local growers also need a stable market to sell their produce. Bridging this gap requires continuous consumer education through social media, flyers, and informational materials. At Dragonflora Farms, the farms themselves serve as knowledge centers, featuring posters and banners with information about dragon fruit.
Government and private sector support are also crucial in making dragon fruit cultivation a widespread success. Fortunately, Indian farmers receive good prices for high-quality produce, with no significant pricing barriers at present.
Advice from Dr. Sunila on Starting a Dragon Fruit Farm: Investment and Returns
Key Considerations for Starting a Dragon Fruit Farm:
- Selecting the Right Variety:
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There are over 1,000 varieties of dragon fruit worldwide. After six years of rigorous research, Dr. Sunila and her team identified two selections—DF Selection 1 and DF Selection 2—that are most suitable for Indian farming conditions. These selections have been tested across multiple regions and have demonstrated stable and consistent yields.
- Cost of Establishment:
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Dragon fruit plants require support structures such as cement poles or iron frames. Since the plant has a lifespan of 25–28 years, using durable structures ensures long-term sustainability.
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Where cement poles are expensive, farmers are provided with cost-saving design alternatives. In hilly areas where timber is readily available, wooden poles serve as a viable support option.
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The cost of setting up a dragon fruit farm varies by region. The planting material itself costs around ₹70–₹80 per plant in local markets.
- Financial Investment and Expected Returns:
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Using the Trellis system—a scientific approach to dragon fruit cultivation—around 5,000 plants can be accommodated per acre.
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The initial investment ranges from ₹7–₹8 lakh per acre and can go up to ₹12–₹15 lakh depending on location, labor costs, transportation, and farm machinery expenses.
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If managed scientifically, DF Selection 1 has recorded an average yield of 20–26 tonnes per acre.
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Farmers can recover their initial investment within two years at a minimum market price of ₹100 per kg.
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Currently, the retail price of dragon fruit is approximately ₹300 per kg, making it a lucrative business opportunity.
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Even if wholesale prices drop to ₹50 per kg, farmers can still generate an income of ₹10 lakh per acre, ensuring profitability.
Through Dragonflora Farms, Dr. Sunila Kumari has transformed dragon fruit farming into a profitable and sustainable venture for Indian farmers. By combining scientific research with practical farming solutions, she has created a thriving ecosystem that benefits both farmers and consumers. With continued education, innovation, and farmer support, Dragonflora Farms aims to make dragon fruit a staple in Indian agriculture and expand its reach globally.
