Local farmers for some countries dey find new ways to challenge importation of exotic fruits and vegetables by growing dem locally. For example, in Bangladesh, dragon fruit cultivation dey become very popular and successful. Since 2014-2015 when dem start grow dragon fruit, de area of land dedicated to dis crop don increase from 38 hectares to 1115 hectares by 2021-2022.
Dis growth in dragon fruit production mean say local farmers now dey produce enough to meet local demand, and even reduce de need for imported dragon fruit. Locally grown dragon fruit dey cheaper and fresher, with better flavour and texture compared to imported ones. Customers dey prefer dem because dem dey available all year round and support local economy.
In addition, de use of modern technologies and equipment don improve de productivity and efficiency of dragon fruit farming in Bangladesh. Farmers now use electric lights to grow de fruit year-round, and specific types of bulbs to achieve high yields. Government interventions like training, infrastructure development, and research also dey help boost de industry.
Dis trend of growing exotic produce locally no be limited to Bangladesh alone. In other parts of de world, farmers dey adopt similar strategies to reduce dependence on imports and increase local food security. For instance, processing cacao locally in regions like de Congo Basin can help farmers earn more money and improve their livelihoods.
Overall, de success of local farmers in growing exotic produce dey show say with de right support and technology, countries can reduce their reliance on imports and promote local agricultural development.
