Taiwan Technical Mission Launches Cost-Effective Dragon Fruit Production Training for Farmers

The Taiwan Technical Mission advances efforts to revolutionize Saint Lucia’s dragon fruit industry, unveiling a cost-cutting, yield-boosting cultivation method that empowers farmers to ease production.

In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and reduce input costs for local farmers, the Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia has introduced an innovative approach to dragon fruit cultivation. The Mission recently hosted a comprehensive training session aimed at transforming the way dragon fruit is grown on the island.

Traditionally, dragon fruit production in Saint Lucia has relied heavily on concrete poles and support structures, a method that has proven to be financially burdensome for many farmers. Recognizing the need for a more affordable alternative, the Taiwan Technical Mission unveiled a new production structure using galvanized poles in place of concrete. This new system is not only significantly cheaper but is also expected to double current production levels.

During the training, farmers were guided through the step-by-step process of setting up the new galvanized support structure. The session also delved into best practices for maximizing yields, maintaining plant health, and optimizing overall production efficiency. Technical Production Officer of the Taiwan Technical Mission, Edward Wilson, emphasized the importance of introducing the new support structure for dragon fruit and highlighted its benefits to farmers.

Well today we are having a training in dragon fruit production. We saw the necessity for this training based on reviews we have gathered from some farmers from past training sessions, even from the Minister himself, the cry out to assist these farmers to reduce the capital cost of setting up this dragon, fruit plot. Traditionally, we have been using the concrete pole and structures, which is too expensive for the farmers. The farmers are complaining that their arable lands and to put concrete in there is very Tasking and that’s a big risk they are taken so we decided to use this new format where we can substitute galvanized poles four the concrete poles and it is a cheaper means for the farmer.

In addition to the structural changes, the training also introduced new planting techniques designed to enhance the growth and quality of dragon fruit crops across the island. These methods are tailored to Saint Lucia’s unique climate and soil conditions, ensuring that farmers can achieve better results with fewer resources.

And we have even gone a step further where we introduced the planting technique where we shown that dragon fruit is air rooting and how to plant it and cultivate it better maintenance of it and even how to identify the different planting strategies, identify the different varieties of dragon, fruit, were showcasing all these things here today.

Farmers interested in adopting the new structure or learning more about the enhanced planting techniques are encouraged to contact their respective extension officers for further guidance and support.

The initiative marks another step forward in strengthening Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security through international cooperation and technical support.