Gayaji: In 2017, a farmer from Gayaji (Gaya district), Bihar, brought 15 dragon fruit plants from Indonesia, planted them in pots, and distributed them among other farmers — unknowingly sowing the seeds of a quiet agricultural revolution. Today, dragon fruit, hailed globally as a “superfood,” is being cultivated in several districts across Bihar, including Gaya, Rohtas, Araria, and East Champaran.
One of the key faces behind this transformation is Gopal Sharan, a resident of Nayanagar village in Jethiyan Panchayat, Gaya, who has dedicated years to cultivating dragon fruit and conserving endangered medicinal plants.
From Corporate Life to Cultivating Superfoods
Before turning to farming, Gopal worked in the marketing and sales sector of the automobile industry. But his interest in sustainable agriculture and medicinal plants drew him back to his roots. Starting small, he began planting dragon fruit on the rooftop of his Kenduyi home in pots — an experiment that later grew into a thriving venture.
During one of his visits, then District Magistrate Abhishek Singh observed Gopal’s rooftop garden and encouraged him to scale up. Motivated by the DM’s words, Gopal set up four to five cultivation towers in his village land. Today, his nursery boasts over 90 dragon fruit towers, with seven more under construction.
Expanding the Dragon Fruit Network
Gopal’s journey began with just 15 dragon fruit saplings imported from Indonesia, which he propagated through crafting techniques and distributed among farmers across Bhabua, Rohtas, Araria, East Champaran, Sheikhpura, Buniyadganj, and Chakand.
He says, “The idea was not just to grow a fruit, but to introduce a profitable and sustainable crop that can change rural livelihoods.”
Each plant yields between 15 to 25 kilograms of fruit, which sells for ₹330 to ₹370 per kilogram. The produce is currently supplied to Gaya city and Delhi, with plans to expand to other cities soon.
A Nursery of Rare Medicinal Plants
Beyond dragon fruit, Gopal’s nursery is home to more than 400 medicinal plants, including rare and endangered species such as vermilion (Sindoor), guggul, nag kesar, red sandalwood, white sandalwood, and gudmar.
He is a member of the United Plant Savers Association, through which he collaborates on plant conservation projects. Gopal has also travelled to several countries to collect rare medicinal species and now focuses on increasing their numbers through crafting and propagation methods.
What Makes Dragon Fruit Special
Dragon fruit (scientific name Hylocereus undatus), also known as Pitaya, belongs to the cactus family. Native to South America, it gained popularity in Southeast Asia, particularly in China, for its nutritional value and high yield potential.
Common varieties cultivated in India include Ruby Red, Maria Rosa, American Beauty, Godzilla, Biet Red, and Connie Meyer. The fruit is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and is known for its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties — making it one of the most sought-after fruits in the global health market.
A dragon fruit plant takes about two years to mature, but once established, it provides consistent yield for years with minimal maintenance, making it a viable alternative crop for Bihar’s semi-arid regions.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Change
Gopal recalls his early struggles: “The soil was not fertile, water was scarce, and wild animals were a threat. But I believed that with the right approach, even a rocky patch of land could bloom.”
His perseverance has paid off. What started on a rooftop has now turned into a movement inspiring hundreds of farmers across Bihar to take up dragon fruit and medicinal plant cultivation.
A Growing Trend in Bihar’s Agriculture
Agriculture experts view Gopal’s initiative as a model for diversification and sustainable income generation. With Bihar’s farmers traditionally dependent on paddy and wheat, dragon fruit offers a new opportunity — low maintenance, high returns, and resilience to climate change.
As dragon fruit towers bloom across Gaya’s farmlands, Gopal’s story stands as a testament to innovation and self-reliance in modern Indian agriculture.
