Ecuador Increases Dragon Fruit Cultivation to Meet Rising Demand

Pitahaya has emerged as one of Ecuador’s fastest-growing agricultural exports, driven by strong international demand. The cultivated area has expanded significantly from approximately 1,500 hectares in 2021 to 8,146 hectares today. Key production zones include the Amazon region—particularly Palora canton in Morona Santiago province—and the coastal area of Santa Elena.

This growth has generated economic opportunities for more than 2,200 producers, many of whom either converted existing crops or started new plantations. According to Ecuador’s Central Bank, pitahaya exports reached a record $171.1 million in 2023, with projections for 2024 estimated at $200 million. The fruit is exported to high-value markets such as the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Peru, and Hong Kong.

In response to this momentum, BanEcuador and NEXT Ecuador—funded by the European Union—have partnered to promote the sustainable export-oriented cultivation of yellow pitahaya. Through the “Siembra Futuro” credit line, producers can access up to $100,000 in financing at a preferential 14% rate, along with technical assistance aimed at boosting productivity and achieving sustainability certifications.

A key requirement of this financing program is environmental stewardship: for every hectare funded, producers must conserve or restore one hectare of forest. The initiative includes flexible payment terms, grace periods, and eliminates the need for crop insurance, reinforcing Ecuador’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and competitiveness in global markets.

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