October 18, 2023 | Times of India |
Dragon fruit is cultivated on over 2,000 acres and avocado on at least 1,000 acres across Karnataka, according to scientists from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). Karnataka is the top producer of dragon fruit in India, and farmers are increasingly looking at exotic crops like dragon fruit and avocado. The IIHR is working on innovating new varieties of exotic fruits, responding to the growing preference for health-conscious choices post-pandemic. Avocado cultivation, once overlooked, is gaining popularity, and the crop has the potential to generate Rs 4 lakh income per acre. The information was shared at a three-day seminar organized by IIHR to promote exotic and underutilized horticultural crops.