Marchefren Umali, a resident of Ragay, Camarines Sur, comes from a family of farmers. After graduating with an engineering degree in 2020, Marchefren realized that his heart still lay in agriculture. He is now the owner of the Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm.
Marchefren Umali, owner of Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm, with the dragon fruit in full bloom. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
The beginning of Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm
Marchefren's introduction to dragon fruit cultivation happened in 2014 when his mother requested cuttings from a few backyard farmers in their area. Intrigued by the taste of the fruit, she planted three cuttings in their own backyard. Two years later, during Marchefren's college days, those plants bore fruit, and he had the opportunity to taste dragon fruit for the first time. The exceptional flavor ignited his interest in dragon fruit and led him to conduct extensive research on its cultivation.
Realizing the business potential of dragon fruit due to its delicious taste and numerous health benefits, Marchefren initially started with a small-scale operation in 2016, primarily for personal consumption. However, in May 2018, his dragon fruit plants bore fruit, and he earned 7,000 pesos from the harvest.
The skin of the dragon fruit is covered in scale-like protrusions or scales, giving it a dragon-like texture. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Despite being a student, “I worked hard, arriving home from school during the weekends traveling two hours. Even at night I still tend to my crops, clearing the area and pruning the dragon fruit,” Marchefren said.
Motivated by the initial success, Marchefren decided to expand his dragon fruit production. With the modest earnings from his first harvest, he invested in his farm, converting 1.5 hectares of his father's land previously used for ginger, banana, and rice cultivation into a dragon fruit farm. Today, his 1.5-hectare farm hosts 1,500 dragon fruit plants and serves as the primary source of income for his family.
Advantages of dragon fruit
According to Marchefren, dragon fruit offers several advantages that have contributed to its rising popularity. Firstly, it is a highly nutritious fruit with abundant antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for consumers. The increased health consciousness, particularly during the pandemic, has driven the demand for dragon fruit. Additionally, dragon fruit is a high-value crop, offering excellent business opportunities and creating employment prospects. Unlike other crops, dragon fruit is perennial, requiring planting only once and offering a productive lifespan of 25 to 50 years with proper care. It can be harvested three to four times monthly, ensuring a consistent income stream. Moreover, dragon fruit commands higher prices compared to many other crops, making it a lucrative venture for farmers.
Artificial lighting can be used to supplement or provide the necessary light conditions for dragon fruit plants for off-season flowering. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Marchefren shares that dragon fruit comes in various varieties, with more than 100 recognized types, according to the dragon fruit farming community. His farm features varieties with yellow peel and white flesh, along with the highly marketable Moroccan Red variety.
Off-season harvesting
During the fruiting season, from May to October, his farm yields an average of 30 kg per plant. However, to address the low prices during the peak season, Marchefren implemented the use of artificial lighting to induce off-season flowering and fruit production.
Supplementary artificial lighting is utilized in dragon fruit farms to provide additional light during periods of low natural light or in regions where sunlight is limited. This supplementary lighting helps ensure that the dragon fruit plants receive the necessary amount of light for optimal growth and fruit production. By providing extra illumination, growers can stimulate plant development, promote flowering, and ultimately increase the yield and quality of the dragon fruit. This artificial lighting acts as a supplement to natural light, enabling year-round cultivation and overcoming limitations imposed by the seasonality of the crop.
Artificial lighting can be used to supplement or provide the necessary light conditions for dragon fruit plants for off-season flowering. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
“At first, it [artificial lighting] doesn’t work out as expected. I tried different types of lights, wires, and timers until I finally get the right system with multiple trials,” Marchefren said. “Dragon fruit is a seasonal crop, you can only harvest from May to October. From November until April, there will be no income but there will still be operational cost. That is why, having the artificial lighting to produce off-season fruits is a great help for us to cover the operational cost like grass cutting, pruning, and fertilizer.”
When comparing the harvest from the regular fruiting season and off-season with artificial lighting, “In our experience, there are more fruits harvested during the off-season with artificial lighting than during the seasonal months. This is because during the seasonal months, there is less consistency in the light exposure to the plants,” Marchefren shared.
The fruiting season of dragon fruit starts from May to October. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Overcoming challenges
One of Marchefren's memorable moments occurred during the initial stages of his farming journey when his father expressed opposition. As an engineering graduate and a board passer, Marchefren's decision to transition into farming was met with skepticism from his father, who discouraged him from expanding production. However, Marchefren remained determined to prove themselves, dedicating two years to the farm after graduation and passing the licensure exam. Fortunately, Marchefren's dragon fruit farm achieved success, leading to a heartwarming development where Marchefren's father eventually extended support.
Harvesting of dragon fruits using gloves and pruning shears. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
“I am happy to see my father eventually supporting me in my endeavor. I remember the time when my father used to call me early [in the] morning just to tell me that the dragon fruit already had flowers. It is very fulfilling that I even decided to change my career,” Marchefren shared.
One of the significant challenges Marchefren faced was the occurrence of natural calamities and storms. During a crucial phase of expansion, substantial investments had already been made when a devastating storm struck in 2020. This period witnessed the onslaught of three consecutive typhoons. Marchefren shared that the first typhoon resulted in the dragon fruit farm being left with only five branches. Following the second typhoon, merely one branch remained standing. Finally, the third storm caused all the remaining branches to fall. Marchefren experienced deep discouragement during this time, contemplating whether to continue or not. However, Marchefren's father provided encouragement, emphasizing the importance of persisting since Marchefren had already started the farming business.
Marchefren experienced deep discouragement during this time. “I feel disheartened and I'm thinking about whether I should keep going or not,” he said. However, “My father is giving me encouragement to continue since I've already begun this business.”
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, typically blooms at night. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Another formidable challenge encountered by Marchefren was the presence of diseases. Witnessing other farms suffer substantial financial losses due to a disease called canker disease, which has no known cure even with the application of fungicide, Marchefren recognized the severity of the issue. To prevent the disease from spreading to healthy plants, the only remedy was to remove all affected branches. Marchefren made it a priority to keep the farm free from this destructive disease, understanding that its presence not only jeopardizes income but also poses a threat to the livelihood of his workers.
Future plans and impact to community
Marchefren's current sales approach entails selling on a per-order basis, without any contracted buyers at the moment. Orders often range from 500 to 1000 kg and are typically purchased by retail sellers. Marchefren's farm holds the distinction of being certified under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This certification acknowledges the farm's adherence to proper farm systems, including the appropriate application, usage, and storage of tools and fertilizers. Marchefren has undergone training to ensure compliance with these practices.
Crates can be a useful tool for harvesting dragon fruit, particularly when it comes to handling and transporting the harvested fruits. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
At present, Marchefren's farm does not receive direct government interventions apart from the GAP certification. However, Marchefren expresses a desire to participate in future government programs related to agriculture. This inclination reflects Marchefren's interest in engaging with government initiatives that can potentially contribute to the growth and development of their farm.
Marchefren's vision for the farm is to transform it into an agritourism site, offering activities such as fruit picking and the sale of various dragon fruit by-products. Additionally, Marchefren has plans to expand the production area. Through these endeavors, Marchefren aims to inspire others and assist other farms in cultivating dragon fruit. The positive impact of Marchefren's farm is already evident, as some relatives have been motivated by his example and have started establishing their own farms.
Dragon fruit is a type of cactus, evident in its growth habit, physical characteristics, and ability to thrive in dry and hot climates. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Marchefren's farm contributes to the community in several ways. By providing employment opportunities for the local community, individuals no longer have to seek work in distant locations. Marchefren emphasizes the importance of mutual support, fostering a sense of collaboration among community members within the farm. Furthermore, the farm's success enables Marchefren to extend financial assistance to locals in need, thereby helping to alleviate economic burdens and uplift the community's overall well-being.
Personal motivations
At present, Marchefren's passion lies in dragon fruit farming, “It has become my occupation, and I derive joy from it. However, I haven't ruled out the possibility of pursuing a career in engineering. Initially, I considered engineering as a backup plan. Nonetheless, I'm content with the fact that I can assist numerous individuals and support my family through farming,” he said.
By providing additional light, farms can extend the daily light duration and maintain optimal light levels for dragon fruit plants. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Marchefren identifies two primary motivations that drive their progress in the dragon fruit farming business. “The first is my family, as I aspire to secure a prosperous future for my wife and child,” he said. “Additionally, I am motivated to create job opportunities so that I can assist others and support their families as well.”
Start small, persevere, and dream big
In closing, Marchefren offers valuable advice to those who are planning to start their own businesses, whether in dragon fruit farming or any other agricultural field. “In farming, diligence is crucial; you must be hardworking and avoid laziness. Simultaneously, it is essential to develop a strategic approach to selling your products, he said.
Trellising in poles allows dragon fruit plants to be trained in an upright position, which promotes better sunlight exposure for the entire plant. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Furthermore, maintaining faith in oneself is essential, especially during moments of doubt and discouragement. “There will be moments when discouragement sets in, leading to doubts about whether to continue, whether you can sell your products, or whether to expand production. Ultimately, the decision to persist and take risks to achieve your goals rests with you,” he added.
While Marchefren Umali has made significant strides in his dragon fruit farming venture, he humbly acknowledges that he does not consider himself a successful dragon fruit farmer just yet. He believes that there are still many goals to be accomplished and milestones to reach on his entrepreneurial journey.
Dragon fruit plants produce large, showy flowers that are usually white and night-blooming. (Umali Family Dragon Fruit Farm)
Marchefren advises aspiring entrepreneurs, “whether in dragonfruit farming or any other agricultural field, I highly recommend starting small. There is no need to rush,” he said. “Beginning with a small-scale operation allows you to learn about the challenges you may encounter and be better prepared to overcome them. Even if you encounter failure along the way, starting small grants you the opportunity to rectify mistakes and try again. Remember, start small but dream big.”
Marchefren always finds inspiration in a quote by Confucius: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." This quote serves as a reminder to persist, even if progress seems gradual or obstacles appear daunting. By maintaining a steady pace and unwavering determination, success becomes achievable. Marchefren firmly believes that starting small and continuously moving forward, no matter the pace, will eventually lead to the realization of one's aspirations.
In the next Engr. Marchefren Umali will share some of his sought-after dragon fruit varieties propagated on his farm.
Photo courtesy ofUmali Family Dragon Fruit Farm