Massive planting of dragon fruits up soon in Vigan

VIGAN CITY, Dec 1 (PNA) -- The city government has launched the massive planting of dragon fruits in all barangays here to provide additional livelihood to farmers.

City Mayor Eva Marie Singson–Medina said the project will open another job opportunity and income for local farmers.

She said of the 39 barangays of the city, 28 are considered as farming barangays where dragon fruit plants can be planted.

“Actually, we are now awaiting the arrival of dragon fruit cuttings ordered by the city government from Refmad Farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte for distribution to qualified farmer–receipients,” she said.

The city government is targeting one hectare of land for the initial planting of dragon fruits before embarking on the masive planting of the plant specie.

She cited that one of the significant uses of dragon fruit is its being the main ingredient in the processing of one of the most expensive wines in the world -- the dragon fruit wine.

Medical experts also proved that dragon fruit, belonging to the cacti family, is an excellent anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-rheumatism and can prevent high blood pressure, urinary tract infection and constipation.

Meanwhile, City Agriculturist Cecilio Acena disclosed that the initial recipients of the planting materials for the project are the 25 presidents of the existing farmers associations.

“Each will receive 100 cuttings of dragon fruit. The cuttings were ordered by the city government at a cost of P200 per piece,” Acena said.

According to Acena, the farmers’ equities for the project are the land, labor, organic fertilizer and care and maintenance while the city government will provide the planting materials.

“The dragon fruit will grow excellently in the city as the plant can best thrive in the sandy loam soil, which is the kind of soil existing in the city," Acena told.

He disclosed that the plant will bear fruits after eight to 12 months from planting.