Rourkela,Aug. 02 (UDN): What began as an experiment inspired by online learning has grown into a flourishing agribusiness for two siblings from Odisha, proving that innovation and determination can transform rural livelihoods.
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Lakshmi Mahanta and her brother, residents of Parodi village near Rourkela in Sundargarh district, have successfully carved a niche in dragon fruit cultivation, turning a once-unfamiliar crop into a profitable enterprise. Today, their orchard not only generates lakhs in revenue but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring farmers looking to diversify into high-value horticulture.
A bold step into modern farming
Three years ago, the siblings decided to venture into dragon fruit cultivation after Lakshmi’s brother visited a farm where the crop was being grown. Encouraged by its commercial potential and the availability of suitable land, they invested nearly ₹6 lakh to establish their orchard.
Without institutional support or formal agricultural training, they turned to online videos and digital resources to master cultivation techniques. Their willingness to learn and adapt helped them overcome the initial challenges of growing a crop that was still relatively uncommon in the region.
To finance the venture, Lakshmi secured a loan of ₹3 lakh from a Self-Help Group at an interest rate of 7 percent.
“My brother saw dragon fruit cultivation elsewhere and believed it had great potential. We decided to take it up as a profession. I borrowed ₹3 lakh from a Self-Help Group to begin the journey. Looking at what we have achieved today, every bit of that effort feels worthwhile,” Lakshmi said.
Harvesting success
The gamble has paid off. Last year, the siblings harvested and sold nearly seven tonnes of dragon fruit. This season alone, they have already earned around ₹2 lakh, with more harvests expected in the coming weeks.
Their produce is sold directly from the farm at around ₹160 per kilogram and supplied to markets in Rourkela as well as neighbouring Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The orchard has also become a popular destination for customers who prefer buying fresh fruit straight from the source.
“We came to buy dragon fruit directly from the farm and are taking home around seven kilograms. We have heard about its taste and health benefits, so we wanted fresh produce,” said customer Avinash Hembram.
Challenges and opportunities
Dragon fruit cultivation requires careful crop management. The plants are vulnerable to fungal infections, especially during periods of intense heat and humidity, making regular fungicide application essential. To further protect the crop, the siblings are now planning to install shade structures that can improve plant health and boost productivity.
Despite these challenges, the venture continues to deliver encouraging returns, reinforcing the crop’s potential as a sustainable source of income for farmers willing to adopt modern cultivation practices.
Inspiring a new generation of farmers
The success of Lakshmi Mahanta and her brother highlights how digital learning, entrepreneurial thinking and persistence can reshape agriculture in rural India. Their journey from online tutorials to a thriving dragon fruit orchard demonstrates that high-value farming can open new avenues of income while motivating others to explore innovative agricultural opportunities.