Kuningan Agriculture Office eyes dragon fruit as regional flagship commodity

Dragon fruit has the potential to become a superior regional commodity, as it not only carries economic value but is also increasingly sought after by the public.

KUNINGAN (ANTARA) — The Food Security and Agriculture Office (Diskatan) of Kuningan Regency, West Java, has designated dragon fruit as one of the regency’s superior horticultural commodities, with the potential to be developed to boost farmers’ economic value.

Head of Kuningan’s Diskatan, Wahyu Hidayah, speaking by telephone from Kuningan on Wednesday, said dragon fruit enjoys promising market opportunities and therefore needs to be encouraged so that more farmers cultivate it.

“Dragon fruit has the potential to become a superior regional commodity, because besides having economic value, it is also gaining popularity among the public,” he said.

According to him, the regional government prioritises the development of the commodity through assistance to farmers as well as introducing the fruit’s potential to the wider community.

He noted that the yellow dragon fruit orchard in Sangkanhurip Village, Cigandamekar District, has become an agrotourism destination showcasing dragon fruit cultivation in Kuningan Regency.

Diskatan Kuningan recorded dragon fruit production from January to June 2026 across several areas that serve as centres for developing the commodity.

Nusaherang District, through Windusari Village, meanwhile recorded production of around 3.3 tonnes of dragon fruit.

Jalaksana District, particularly Sadamantra Village, produced around 2.5 tonnes of yellow and red dragon fruit during that period.

“Mandirancan District is the area with the largest production, namely around 32.8 tonnes of dragon fruit from Cimara Village,” he said.

Wahyu said the development of dragon fruit must be accompanied by improvements in production quality, cultivation innovation, and stronger marketing so it can compete with other agricultural commodities.

He added that the horticultural sector holds great opportunities for development, as it can provide additional income for communities, especially young farmers.

“Agriculture today is not only about production, but about creating added value and business opportunities for the community,” said Wahyu.