Could Soursop and Dragon Fruit Be Belize’s Next Major Fruit Crops?

Farmers in the Stann Creek District spent two days learning how to improve their pitahaya (dragon fruit) and soursop harvests, as agricultural officers work to strengthen Belize’s food security.

The training was organised by the Stann Creek Agriculture Extension Service, led by Emilio Perez, in collaboration with the Cooperative Department. Twenty-five farmers and agriculture students took part.

Experts from the Agronomy Unit at Central Farm, Israel Pech and Lillian Suntecun, taught participants every step of growing the two increasingly popular crops.

The training covered everything from planting and fertilisation to pest control, pruning and harvesting. “This training equips our farmers with practical skills to improve yields and manage crops sustainably,” said Mr Perez.

Soursop remains a well-loved fruit in Belize, used in juices and desserts, while dragon fruit, known locally as pitahaya, is quickly growing in popularity. The Ministry of Agriculture has also hosted field days and partnered with international agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to provide training and plant cuttings to local farmers in recent years.