74-Year-Old Farmer Champions Innovation with Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Una, 24 June 2025:
At the age of 74, Roshan Lal from Uparli Baal village in Bangana, Una, has rewritten the story of self-reliance and agricultural innovation. Breaking away from traditional farming, he has successfully cultivated 3,300 plants of high-value Taiwan Pink dragon fruit over 25 kanal land, expecting an income of ₹4–4.5 lakh this season.

Roshan Lal began this venture in 2023, and today his plants are yielding fruit sold directly from the field at ₹80–100 per piece. The dragon fruit, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, continues to produce fruit for 25–30 years, making it a sustainable source of income. Complementing this, he practices mixed farming with onion, garlic, and saplings, earning an additional ₹35,000 last year.

His efforts are backed by government support through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and guidance from horticulture officials. Uparli Baal has now been developed as a model horticulture cluster, inspiring others through a ₹18.75 lakh pilot project.

Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal praised the initiative, stating that such innovations are key to empowering the rural economy and achieving “Atmanirbhar Himachal.”