List Of Top 10 Dragon Fruit Producing Countries In The World: Why Are They Expensive In India?

Largest Dragon Fruit Producing Countries:  Dragon fruit is also popularly known as pitaya in many parts of the world. It is a highly liked fruit across the globe, all thanks to its radiant colour, sweetness, and many health advantages. The fruit is giving a significant export business to many countries across the globe. Dragon fruit's global use and production are boosted by innovation, climatic adaptability, and even the increasing awareness about the fruit’s health benefits. To know more, here’s a list of the top 10 dragon fruit producers in the world, along with their export values and market shares, according to the Research Gate’s Wakchaure et al. report.

List Of Top 10 Dragon Fruit Producing Countries In The World:

Vietnam

Vietnam is the largest producer of dragon fruit in the world, with almost 85% of the global export value. With more than 55,419 hectares of land used for cultivation and over 10 crore 74 lakh metric tons produced each year, Vietnam make significant export business in China, India, the EU, and the USA. Its favourable climate, government assistance, and effective logistics have enabled Vietnam to continue its supremacy, with the majority of its dragon fruit cultivated in Binh Thuan, Long An, and Tien Giang provinces.

China

China is not just the second-largest producer but also the biggest consumer of dragon fruit globally. The country produces almost 7 lakh metric tons of Dragon fruit each year, especially in cities like Guangxi and Hainan provinces. China's advanced agricultural practices and increased domestic consumption make it a top-listed dragon fruit producer.

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Indonesia

About 2,21,832 metric tons of Dragon Fruit are produced yearly in Indonesia. Red and white varieties of the fruit in the country are truly world famous, all thanks to its volcanic soils of East Java and Bali. It also has export business in Singapore and Malaysia.

Thailand

Thailand produces almost 26,000 thousands of metric ton every year. The quality of Thai dragon fruit is loved across the globe and its major production areas are Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai. The majority of the crop is domestically consumed, however, exports are on the increase, particularly to China, Japan, and the USA.

Taiwan

Taiwan has made a niche in the market for dragon fruits, producing over 49,108 metric ton every year. Taiwan's fertile soil and eco-friendly cultivation methods make Taiwanese dragon fruits have a vibrant red flesh.

Malaysia

Malaysia boasts around 7,820 metric ton dragon fruits each year, all thanks to country’s innovative and organic agricultural practices. Though small, Malaysia focus on high-quality products and updated agricultural technology.

Philippines

The Philippines produces almost 6,062 metric tons of dragon fruit every year, with more than 485 hectares of land used for cultivation. The new producer showcases the increasing global demand for the fruit.

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Cambodia

Cambodia produces over 4,840 metric tons of dragon fruit annually. Cambodia is making significant efforts to develop its tropical fruit business, including dragon fruit.

India

India is quickly expanding its dragon fruit business globally. The nation of billions produces 4,200 metric tons of dragon fruit every year. With expanded cultivation in states of Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, India is currently exporting to the UAE, Bangladesh, and the UK and is looking to grow further.

Dragon fruit is expensive in India, due to several reasons like limited cultivation, specialised farming techniques, cost of importing and even increased demand, along with limited supply.

United States

The US produces over 5,832 metric tons of dragon fruit annually. The domestic market is growing steadily with a firm focus on sustainability and consumer awareness.