Bangana, June 24 - It is said that courage does not see age. 74-year-old Roshan Lal, a resident of Uparli Ball village of Bangana subdivision of Una district, is a living example of this. He not only changed the traditional way of farming, but also wrote a new chapter of innovation in the rural economy through advanced and high value crops like dragon fruit.
When Roshan Lal took up the cultivation of dragon fruit on a small scale in the year 2023, it was a new experiment for the area. But today, 3300 plants of Taiwan Pink variety planted in 25 kanal land have started bearing fruits and the farmer's hard work is paying off. Each fruit is being sold from the farm itself for Rs 80 to 100 and this year he expects an income of Rs 4 to 4.5 lakh.

One plant—income for 25 years
Dragon fruit is rich in medicinal properties, it contains potassium, calcium, antioxidants and anti-aging elements. It is also a tasty and nutritious fruit, which sells at high prices in the market. Its specialty is that once planted, the plant bears fruit for 25 to 30 years, which can make it a permanent source of income for farmers.

Increased economic balance through mixed farming
Roshan Lal did not depend only on dragon fruit but also adopted mixed farming of crops like onion, garlic and onion seedlings. Last year, he earned an income of 20 thousand rupees from this, while he got a profit of 15 thousand rupees from partial sale of dragon fruit. This multi-faceted agricultural model is a beautiful lesson for everyone that how any farmer can become self-reliant with dedication, knowledge and proper use of government schemes.

Government schemes gave strength
Roshan Lal says that earlier crops were damaged by wild animals, but now with the cooperation of the horticulture department, the situation has improved. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, he got a drip irrigation system at 80 percent subsidy. In addition, departmental officials keep providing them technical information, nutrition advice and crop protection measures from time to time.

Upperli Ball area is becoming a model horticulture cluster
Horticulture Development Officer Virendra Kumar said that in August 2023, a front line demonstration site was set up with 8 progressive farmers in the Uparli Ball area. Under the project of Rs 18.75 lakh, works like cement poles, plantation, fencing and pit construction have been done. Now this village is emerging as an inspirational model with the coordination of dragon fruit and vegetable production.

District Magistrate said – Rural economy is being strengthened by innovation
District Magistrate Una Jatin Lal said that cultivation of innovative and high value crops like dragon fruit is helpful in realizing economic self-reliance in the rural area. Farmers in Una district are being motivated for this, so that they can contribute to the creation of self-reliant Himachal.